A LAST ditch effort to find a buyer for Cross Roads Post Office has failed, with the premises confirmed to be shutting its doors on April 16.

A customer notice posted on the post office's Facebook page announced the news earlier this afternoon. (Feb 22)

The post office property, in Halifax Road, includes a small convenience store and news agents which will also close.

The customer notice states: "This has been an extremely difficult decision and not taken lightly.

"For several years we've tried to sell the business, but a revised contract being offered by Post Office makes the business unviable as it currently stands.

"We've also looked into moving the post office to another business in the village without success."

The same announcement says the post office will be gradually reducing the stock available in its shop, will cease selling newspapers and magazines from March 4 and will run reduced openings hours from the same date.

It thanks long-serving members of staff, who will be leaving from early March and acknowledges the support of customers and friends over the last 22 years.

The statement adds: "We've enjoyed working and being part of the community, and it is with sadness that this decision has been made."

As reported in the Keighley News early last year, post office owner Angela Armstrong said closing the post office would be a last resort which she wanted to avoid.

She said she been trying to sell it as a going concern for several years, but could not find a buyer, despite the premises' important role in the village.