VILLAGE postmaster Patrick Seymour has handed in his notice after 20 years of running a post office on the Shotley peninsula. Mr Seymour, 57, of Chelmondiston, said he could not longer make a living from the business, which he and his wife Marguerite, 54, have run seven days a week since they took it over.

VILLAGE postmaster Patrick Seymour has handed in his notice after 20 years of running a post office on the Shotley peninsula.

Mr Seymour, 57, of Chelmondiston, said he could not longer make a living from the business, which he and his wife Marguerite, 54, have run seven days a week since they took it over.

He said: "We have lost so much business with the changeover in paying family allowances direct into people's bank accounts, and turnover has dropped and dropped."

When he first took over the shop he re-fitted it to stock convenience goods as well, but he said the village did not have room for three shops.

He said trade had also been hit by the expansion of online shopping with home delivery from the large supermarkets.

He has now applied for planning permission for a change of use from business to domestic premises for the shop, which has six-bedroomed domestic accommodation attached.