TURNOVER around £4,000 a week or shut up shop is the dilemma a Newnham postmaster faces.

Cyril Barnes, who has been on High Street for 11 years, said his 'hands are tied'.

"I simply can't make that sort of money in the village – so I guess I will have to quit altogether. I'm gutted but am determined to fight this," he said.

"My son and I created a petition two weeks ago in a bid to keep the business open which so far 600 people have signed."

Mr Barnes said he has been asked by the Post Office to create a 'vibrant' shop with a turnover of reportedly £4,000 a week, or relocate.

He said: "The Post Office wants to save money and a way they are doing this is by getting rid of the core payment in favour of a convenient store where we make our money by carrying out transactions.

"At present we have been receiving a core payment and a transaction payment, where we get a few pence per transaction, on top.

"I would love my son to take over the business but he isn't prepared to do so as his main source of income would come from relying on transaction payments which is not financially-viable. He would also have to open for longer."

A Post Office spokes­person said: "We are not planning to close any Post Offices. As part of our Government-funded investment programme we need to ensure branches are commercially-sustainable into the future, and the best way is for a Post Office to be part of a thriving retail business.

"Where this isn't possible we will look for opportunities to relocate the branch to a suitable retailer nearby. We are working with the current postmaster to decide the best way forward."