BURGLARS have struck at a village post office dogged by ill-fortune over the last 12 months.

The Booths Hill branch in Lymm, was closed to customers as the GUARDIAN went to press because of the damage caused by the intruders, who struck after closing time on Saturday.

Police say cash was taken in the raid and have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Det Con Angela Burns, of Stockton Heath CID, is calling for anyone who saw any suspicious people in the Church Road area, or at the rear of the premises in Eagle Brow between Saturday night and throughout Sunday, to come forward.

Meanwhile elderly residents have reported problems obtaining pensions from the store as a result of the drama.

But Post Office bosses say alternative arrangements are available for customers collecting cash and the only difficulty might arise with pension books which were at the office ready for collection.

Post Office spokesman Graham Moore said: "The branch is closed because the damage caused is such that the office needs to be made secure. The aim is to reopen the branch as soon as possible."

But he confirmed that notices would have been posted to direct customers to services at stores at Bridgewater Street, Lymm and Albany Road, Statham.

Witnesses are asked to call DC Burns on 01244 612636.

Earlier this year a man was jailed for six years after confessing to blackmailing postmaster Andrew Darrell.

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