A popular sub postmaster is to retire next month after 20 years - leaving Pulrose without a post office.

Pulrose post office situated in Alder Road will close for business on March 20.

Sub postmaster Alan Clucas said: ’I have thoroughly enjoyed my career as a sub postmaster and have seen lots of changes in the postal industry over the years.

’However, the time has come for me to retire to spend more time with my family and grandchild. I would like to thank all my customers who have supported my business over the last 20 years and wish them all the very best.’

Isle of Man Post Office, which has seen a sustained reduction in customers using counter services, will be reporting to Tynwald in October with proposals for the retail network.

Mr Clucas’s role, therefore, will not be advertised.

Chairman Julie Edge said: ’We wish to express our sincere thanks to him for his exemplary loyalty and dedication to providing postal services to customers for such a long time.

’We recognise that customers will be saddened by the news and I’ve no doubt he will be much missed by his customers.

’We wish him and his family a long, healthy and happy retirement.’

She said the Post Office was working with the social security division to keep disruption to a minimum.

MiCard customers can choose to nominate a person to collect benefits and pensions on their behalf.

The nearest alternative post offices are at Anagh Coar (0.7 miles away) and Douglas Strand Street (1.8 miles away).