A community Post Office and newsagent is to close its doors after its parent company decided against renewing the lease.

The Martins store in Beech Road, opposite the King William IV pub, will close on Tuesday, April 18, according to a representative from the company.

They said in a statement: “Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision not to renew the lease at the Martins store on Beech Road in St Albans.

“We are saddened to no longer be operating the store, and our priority has been to support all affected colleagues.

“We are extremely grateful to our customers and will be delighted to continue to serve them at our Martins store in The Quadrant.”

The shop also housed a Post Office counter, which will now be temporarily closed, with essential services being moved elsewhere.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Beech Road Post Office will become temporarily closed from Sunday, April 16 at noon, because the lease is expiring on the premises and the store is closing.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the temporary closure.”

They are hoping to relocate the counter to another vendor in the area in order to maintain the service, but do not currently have anywhere lined up.

Marshalswick councillor Richard Curthoys said: “There has been changes in the way the Post Office model operates.

“The majority of people are paid their benefits by bank transfer, so the drop-off in business for the associated shops has an effect on income.

“It is a loss of a facility for local people who just want to buy a stamp, or a premium bond.”

Anyone wanting to use the Post Office will have to go to The Quadrant or St Peter’s Street, both of which are at least a quarter of an hour’s walk away.

Fellow councillor Steve McKeown said: “There are not that many amenities for that area so it is quite a shock.

“It is not good for people who are less able. I’m not happy.”

Additionally, the Post Office on Jersey Farm is not due to reopen until Friday, May 19 as it is undergoing refurbishment.

Anyone interested in hosting the Post Office in the area of Beech Road can apply via www.runapostoffice.co.uk