The impending closure of West Swindon's Post Office has been described as a "disaster" for residents.

The branch is set to close on January 4 and the Post Office is looking for a new retailer to incorporate a Post Office into its business.

Shocked residents have explained how important the branch is for the community, especially the older members.

Jan Anderson-Page said: "It's a very big issue for the community and it is a vital service. Pensioners have relied on it for so many years.

"If they want to collect their pensions they would have to either drive or get a bus to the other local Post Offices or go in to town.

"This is not possible for everyone, especially for the disabled and those who travel on their mobility scooters and have no other means of transport.

"Some people have said they do not like using the cash machines outside at night because they do not feel very safe when it is a dark and isolated area.

"It has always been a very busy Post Office - with long queues for their services - I know, I have often been in there!

"The staff at the Post Office are devastated as you can imagine.

"Also, we are trying to save the planet and forcing people to drive all over the area to find an appropriate Post Office is far from ideal when they had one in walking distance."

The other branches in Toothill, Freshbrook and Shaw Village Centre do not provide passport and driving licence services.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “The operator for West Swindon Post Office has resigned and the branch is due to close on 4 January. The store is also closing.

“We know how important a Post Office is to a community. The vacancy is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk.

"We are in talks with one interested party. Alternative branches in the area also include Toothill, Freshbrook and Shaw Village Centre.”

An Asda spokesman said: “We let space out in many of our stores directly to The Post Office.

“The decision to remove the Post Office from our West Swindon store was not one made by Asda and was instead made by the third-party tenant of the space.

“Asda and the Post Office are working to understand if there is a way to keep the services on site as we understand the importance of having those services available to the local community and our customers.”