In addition, over 160 branches across the East Midlands, east Yorkshire, Suffolk and east Essex will also begin closing down.
The closures come despite lobbying efforts during the regions¹ six week consultation periods. RSA chief executive Ken Parsons said the closures are a wake-up call for local communities.
Until now, many of the organisations that would be taking the lead on supporting village shops have been concentrating on the consultation process, he said.
The RSA boss stressed these fighting efforts now needed to be directed at how stores could continue being sustainable without the post office. He warned that while some retailers were geared up for the next stage, many were not.
Parsons said: “The urgent need is for partnerships involving Regional Development Agencies, Business Links, county and district councils as well as expert organisations to provide vital on-the-ground support to help shopkeepers .” Parsons warned that this was a not a problem to “put in the pending tray.” He added: “Once a shop is closed, it is very difficult and expensive to resurrect it.
