TIME is running out for a Nantwich post office as the search hots up for a new subpostmaster.

The Audlem Road Post Office may be forced to close down if a replacement can't be found for Dennis Williams, who is to retire at the end of this month.

Customers may then be forced to travel to other offices at Pepper Street, Millstone Lane or Millfields.

Mr Williams has advertised the post for the last three years and had postponed his retirement until another owner could be found.

But he has now said he can no longer physically handle the running of a busy office and has called for help.

"I'm going to be sorry to leave the Post Office. I've enjoyed my time there very much but I just can't handle the running of the office anymore," he said.

"I hope someone can be found to run this office as many people around here rely on its service to the community. For the elderly especially its services are invaluable, it would be a shame to lose it."

Prospective new subpostmasters will have to cope with running the bureau de change and handle requests for travel insurance as well as usual bill payment facilities and stamp sales services.

Retail Network Manager Sue Walker said: "We are very grateful to Mr Williams for his service to the Post Office and to this community. I'm sure he will be sadly missed by all his customers.

"We would like to see the service in this area continue and so we want to hear from anyone interested in taking on the responsibilities of the Post Office."

Anyone interested in applying for the position should contact Sarah Crompton, Agency Recruitment, 86 Lionel Street, Birmingham, B3 1HQ.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.