Doomed post offices across the Black Country were today opening their doors for the final time.

The shutters will be coming down tonight at five branches across the region which have been axed as part of sweeping closures by the Government. Regular customers this morning gathered at Portobello branch in Willenhall to mark the end of an era.

They today told of their sadness at losing their much-needed post office. Housewife Julie Morris, aged 36, from Tobruk Walk in Willenhall, said: “I have a disabled nine-year-old daughter and it’s going to be very difficult to go to the other post office in Willenhall. I also feel very sorry for the elderly people who live near this post office.” 

Lisa Thompson, 38 and of Hill Road, Willenhall, said: “It is disgusting that they are closing this post office.”

Branches in Rushall, Walsall; High Street, West Bromwich; Rounds Green in Warley and Rood End in Warley were also closing today.