Heacham Post Office for sale after 60 years in same family

Sub-postmistress Sally Partyka, 54, is the third generation behind the counter at the branch in the High Street at Heacham, near Hunstanton.

She said her family had put the property up for sale because the business was no longer profitable.

The final straw came last year, when Royal Mail closed its sorting office and relocated delivery workers to Hunstanton.

The post office in Heacham High Street, which is up for sale (Image: Chris Bishop)

"The Post Office business has been declining for many years now and in recent times it has become particularly tough to keep going," she said.

"Then a year ago the postmen were taken away and moved to Hunstanton.

"We are paid solely on what we do and it’s hit us extremely hard, and so the business is no longer viable.

"Heacham Post Office has been in my family since 1964 and seen three generations as postmaster. However the time has come for us to close the business.

Sally Partyka behind the counter at Heacham Post Office (Image: Chris Bishop)

The post office at Heacham pictured soon after it was built in around 1912 (Image: Supplied by Sally Partyka)

Hilda Faulkner, who took over the post office with her husband Bob in 1964, had to come outside to pay one customer's pension because he would come to collect it on his horse (Image: Supplied by Sally Partyka)

From left Vivien Faulkner, Susan Torrey from Guide Dogs for the Blind, Lindsay Faulkner and Hilda Faulkner pictured after the post officer raised enough money for a guide dog in the 1980s. (Image: Supplied by Sally Partyka)

Lindsay and Vivien Faulkner presented their first 10 customers with a bouquet to celebrate the Queen Mother's 100th birthday in August, 2000. (Image: Supplied by Sally Partyka)

"My parents, who live in the property, are now at a time in their lives when they wish to downsize to have their privacy and the space to enjoy their retirement, therefore the property is going on the market."

The migration online of once bread and butter business over the counter - such as car tax renewals - pensions going directly into banks and bills being paid by direct debit have also hit rural post offices hard.

Mrs Partyka worked in the post office for 25 years before taking over in charge from her father Lindsay Faulkner in 2019.

Mr Faulkner and his wife Vivien took on the business in 1982, while Mr Faulkner's parents Bob and Hilda moved into the shop in 1964.

Sally Partyka (left) and Gemma Greef at the post office in Heacham (Image: Chris Bishop)

Jemma Greef, who has worked at the post office for four years, is its last member of staff.

 "I love this job and I'm really sad to see it go," said Mrs Greef, 50.

"I love working here. I love the people. I've lived in Heacham all my life and it's the heart of the village."

Mrs Partyka said the family had taken the decision to move on with "a heavy heart".

Sally Partyka at the post office in Heacham (Image: Chris Bishop)

"It's a real wrench, I've had customers in here in tears because we're closing," she said. 

"It's the hub of the community but it's got to the point where I can't keep it going.

"We realise the loss to the village and this isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly."

Regular customer Elaine Whitbread, 75, said: "I live in the village and it's a lifeline.

Regular customer Elaine Whitbread at the post office in Heacham (Image: Chris Bishop)

"The heart's going to go out of this village but Sally can't make a living."

Sandra Playford-Smith posted on Facebook: "Three generations of your lovely family have served the village so well, always with a smile, and you will be so missed."

Jacqui Scott added: "So very, very sorry to hear this, the village will lose another great asset."

And Nicky Scott said: "So sorry to hear this. Our last amazing, friendly Post Office lost to our modern world."

Agents Belton Duffey are marketing the property for £750,000 (Image: Chris Bishop)

WHAT NEXT?

The post office is due to close when the property sells or on August 5 next year.

Agents Belton Duffey, who are marketing the property for £750,000, describe it as "an attractive, five-bedroom detached house with commercial premises, extensive outbuildings, garden and parking.

"The commercial premises is currently the Heacham Post Office comprising shop, two offices and a rear entrance.

"This area could be used as an Airbnb or holiday let, subject to the necessary consents."

A Post Office spokesman said: “Heacham Post Office is currently open as normal.

"We have received a resignation and a final date has not yet been agreed.

“Royal Mail and Post Office are two separate companies, and it is Royal Mail that decided to relocate its sorting office that has been based alongside Heacham Post Office."