A VILLAGE post office, described as the 'hub' of its community, is to close.
Outlane Post Office, at New Hey Road, will close its doors for the final time on March 22 following the current subpostmaster's decision to retire after 21 years.
Post Office officials have not yet found a replacement.
Clr Margaret Fearnley represents the ward including Outlane and has used the post office over the years.
She said: "I am sad that the Outlane Post Office is closing, because it has been the hub of community life for years.
"Like other rural post offices, it has been an important part of peoples' lives.
"Many people, particularly pensioners, use their local post office as a meeting point - a place they can easily access and go to enquire after their neighbour's health.
"I am sure the locals will feel as sad as I do about the post office closing and it will be missed by everyone."
She is currently supporting a move by Kirklees Council to make more local community services available.
She said: "The Government needs to understand that rural post office services are an important part of people's lives.
"The local post office helps people keep in touch with each other, and offers a valuable facility for people that can not easily get to the larger stores in town."
Once the branch closes, local customers are advised to use Salendine Nook Post Office in New Hey Road.
Post Office rural transfer adviser Diane Vickers said: "We apologise for the inconvenience this temporary closure will undoubtedly cause, but I can assure our customers that we will be doing all we can to restore service as soon as possible."
The Post Office has not yet found a replacement subpostmaster.
The company is welcoming enquiries from anyone interested in the vacancy, who can provide suitable, alternative premises.
For details on the vacancy, contact the Post Office agency recruitment section on 0845 601 6260.
