The proposed relocation of Wells Post Office from Market Place to the Spar store in Tucker Street has fallen through.

The Market Place branch is due to close at the end of September with the retirement of the postmaster.

The Post Office has been consulting on a move to the Spar store - the closing date for the consultation is today, August 16.

But in a statement to Wells Voice, Spar operator Blakemore Retail said: "Blakemore Retail can confirm that the post office will not be relocating to its Wells Spar store on Tucker Street.

"The company does not wish to provide further comment."

Just three days ago, Stuart Taylor, who looks after the Post Office's external relations, and area network change manager Matt Walls were at a well-attended public meeting in Wells Town Hall organised by Wells City Council to discuss the proposal.  

They explained why relocating the post office to Spar was being considered, saying that a full range of main post office services would be retained - and said that the Post Office is still looking for another business in the city centre willing to take on a post office counter.

They were met with some hostility by members of the audience unhappy about the proposed move and the loss of a convenient central amenity.

The Post Office has yet to comment on the latest situation.