After 42 years serving the Minehead community, the Co-op store on The Avenue has closed its doors, leaving the town without its sole Post Office. The store, which opened in 1984, shut down on June 13, just days after the Post Office itself ceased operations on June 9.
Efforts to establish a replacement Post Office on Summerland Avenue were unsuccessful when the planning proposal was rejected. As a result, the nearest Post Office is now located in Dunster, approximately three miles away, causing significant inconvenience for local residents.
Many locals have voiced their disappointment and frustration. One resident described the situation as “devastating,” while another called it “a joke,” emphasizing the impact on the town’s large retired population. The closure compounds existing concerns as other local services have also been shutting down.
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The Post Office has stated that temporary arrangements are being developed to restore services. A spokesperson said: “We understand that Post Office services are very important to our customers in Minehead. While finalising plans for a new permanent branch, we are working to open a temporary Post Office operating full-time as soon as possible. Details regarding its location and opening date will be shared in the coming weeks.”
Meanwhile, Co-op has announced expansion plans for 2026 across its retail and funeral services divisions. A spokesperson for the retailer said: “Co-op remains committed to serving the Minehead community through our Alcombe Road store, but we have made the difficult decision to close our store on The Avenue following the refusal of a planning application to redevelop the site for a modern and sustainable store. Our priority is to support the colleagues affected, and we thank the community for their continued support.”