February 16, 2001 9:39: A VILLAGE post office has closed following the death of postmaster Frank Johnson.

The 81-year-old, who was formerly an architect, had worked at the Winchmore Hill Post Office in Coleshill Lane, Winchmore Hill, with his wife Iris for more than 25 years.

Mr Johnson's funeral was held at Penn Street Church on Wednesday.

He died on February 8, after a short illness.

Maureen Seymour, a neighbour and a Penn parish councillor, said: "The village would like to thank them very much for those 25 years of service.

"They have always been there and willing to help people.

"We shall really miss them.

"He was a gentleman and always there to help the old people in the community.

"The church was absolutely packed out for his funeral."

Stephen Palmer, secretary of the residents association of Winchmore Hill, said: "They did a wonderful job and were so supportive and helped so many people in the village.

"Frank and Iris had a large village shop then a small one and then they closed the village shop.

"It is the competition from Tesco."

Mr Palmer added: "Obviously we greatly hope the post office can continue to stay.

"We have been in talks with the General Post Office and the post is being advertised.

"It is a great loss to the village.

"It is clearly a service we want. But on the other hand we need someone who is qualified.

"It is incredible how the post offices have gone over the years."

A Post Office spokesman said: "Winchmore Hill is a temporary closure and we are advertising for someone to take over.

"If we cannot find anyone we may be forced, with no alternative, to close it.

"It has only been closed for two weeks anyway.

"We seek to maintain the service.

"That is our ultimate objective."

Victoria Birch