The Post Office has confirmed that its branch in the Co-operative supermarket in Rectory Row will close on Monday, April 6, after it was served a period of notice by the supermarket chain, which claims the service is not profitable.

However, Easthampstead residents say the decision to lose the space and use it for more stock is a mistake, adding that pensioners in the neighbourhood depend on the branch.

Easthampstead resident Alan Moss said: “People are not at all happy about the prospect of losing this valued facility within the neighbourhood.

“As it stands at the moment, the Government pays pensions either into a bank account or a Post Office account. Sometimes payments for carers are paid into Post Office accounts and the elderly folk either visit the Post Office themselves or have a friend visit. They feel safer withdrawing from a person than a hole in the wall.

“This is very sad news for us and many others that have used this post office that rely on it. It has been here for more than 50 years.” In a statement, The Co-operative Food said: “We have informed the Post Office Limited of our intention to remove the Post Office from our store in Rectory Row, Easthampstead. This decision has been taken with the greatest regret, and is because the Post Office is making a loss.

“The nearest alternative Post Office is less than a mile away, in Wildridings Square, and the Post Office Limited will now determine if there is a need to make alternative arrangements, or whether there is adequate provision of Post Office services locally.” The Post Office also confirmed the closure, but added that it was hoping to set up a new branch in the area to replace the one in Easthampstead.

In a statement, the firm said: “We can confirm that The Co-operative Group has given us notice that they will no longer be operating the Easthampstead Post Office branch from April 6, 2015.

“Customers should be assured that the Post Office is committed to maintaining Post Office services to customers in Bracknell and will work hard to ensure this.

“We will be seeking alternative premises for the post office so any local retailers interested in this business opportunity should contact us on 0845 266 8790 or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk”