Honor Head, of Coombe Lane, Teignmouth, writes:

I am writing to express my bitter disappointment at the forthcoming closure of my local post office in Lower Coombe Road.

As a resident and freelancer working from home, the Lower Coombe Post Office provided a vital service and was well supported by the community. I am appalled that Mr and Mrs Heiron have decided to close the post office in order to open an off-licence. (It is also sad and disturbing that this ill-advised and short-sighted decision is also clearly supported by Teignbridge Council by the granting of a drinks licence. Did they really consider the local community when they did this? Yet again the infrastructure of a local area is being eroded and is being supported by local councillors.)

The reasons Mr and Mrs Heiron offer for closing the post office really do not stand close scrutiny. They say they want to expand their range of groceries and stay open for longer each day and sell alcohol because there is a need among the local people. As we now have the mini Tesco shop five minutes away and two Co-operative stores this is nonsense.

Do Mr and Mrs Heiron really believe that they can compete with the likes of Tesco on the range of their groceries and on price? I don't think so.

Residents do not need another off-licence but they do need a local post office and the variety of services it provides. Together with Richard Younger-Ross, MP, we fought to keep this post office when it was threatened with closure just over a year ago. To discover that it is now to close and for such a venture is unbelievable.

We already have enough trouble from alcohol-related crime and nuisance in this area without having an additional source for purchasing alcohol right on our doorstep.