THE owners of a post office are seeking permission to shut the service in oder to enjoy their twilight years.

Julian Thomas runs Tudorville Post Office and Stores in Walford Road, Ross-on-Wye, with his wife.

They re-opened the shop 11 years ago when the Post Office closed down the site as part of their Network Regeneration Programme.

It has remained with essential postal services and limited sales such as stamps and parcels.

But the couple say changes with technology have left them with little option but to close the shop.

"The internet has further reduced sales as customers' shopping habits have changed," Mr Thomas states in a letter supporting the application.

"Therefore there is no need for an alternative post office or stores within this area."

The application also seeks to "enlarge the existing dwelling" as part of the closure.

Mr Thomas, in his letter, adds: "If either of us suffers a life-changing illness, the stores and post office closes overnight as there are no viable alternatives as no one is prepared to work 70 hours per week.

"We have loyally served this community for 18 years, far longer than previous owners, and therefore I believe we are entitled to a future in our twilight years."