There is concern for the future as Porthleven Post Office prepares to close for good today.

As of tomorrow people will have to travel to Helston or Breage to send a parcel or complete other post office services.

The decision by postmasters Paul and Sharon Edwards to give up the post office and shop was revealed in April, when they submitted a planning application to turn the business into a holiday let, to provide income while they continue to live above - something that has since been given conditional approval by Cornwall Council.

The couple have made no secret of their struggles to keep the business running, with a statement accompanying the application stating: "Despite community support, input and assistance, the situation has been getting no better. Prolonged efforts to sell the business as a going concern or letting the space to an alternative business have not proved successful."

Post Office Ltd said it was now looking at ways to bring back facilities to the port "as soon as possible."

A spokesperson said this week: "Porthleven Post Office is due to close temporarily on Tuesday, June 11 due to the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises, that we do not own, for post office use.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of this branch at short notice. Alternative branches in the area are at Helston and Breage.

“We understand how important a post office is to a community and we would like to reassure customers that we are committed to providing post office services in Porthleven. We are exploring ways to restore post office services in the area as soon as possible. "Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the post office and incorporating it into their business should email ND.enquiries@postoffice.co.uk or phone 0333 345 5560 - option 2.”

Cornwall councillor Andy Wallis said he had been working with Post Office on a plan for the future ever since it became clear the current business was to close.

He said: "The imminent closure of the post office provision will impact on many residents and visitors alike. The question being asked is what happens next.

"The good news is there will be some sort of post office provision in Porthleven; however, it is unlikely we will see what is currently offered replicated. As to where a new facility could potentially go rests on a very important factor - a willing business, space to provide a certain level of service and a future operator of a post office function has to have a separate business income to support the operation, as the model of post offices do not work in a stand-alone function."

Mr Wallis said that in the interim, or a if a permanent home could not be found, Porthleven would have a mobile facility - although the level and frequency of the visits were still being finalised and it might be a few weeks until this happened. B

"Concern has been raised on the ability of electric key-charging facilities. Unless someone takes on a key-charging contract, which is separate to the Post Office function, there will be no key-charging in Porthleven. However, I have had a conversations at an alternative location, which I am hopeful will progress," he added.