WEBSTER, N.C. (WLOS) -- It's the end of an era in Webster. The post office in the small Jackson County town is closing.
While residents are reacting to the sudden news, the Postal Service said there's a possibility of a future Webster post office in a different location.
Closing the Webster post office has been talked about for quite some time. But the official notice of its permanent closing just came a few days ago catching many residents off guard. That includes Webster Mayor Tracy Rodes.
"We were shocked by the abruptness of it. It only allows 11 business days to make necessary arrangements. My major disappointment is that the town was not included at any point to help problem-solve an alternative location," Rodes said.
She's concerned about those who will feel the impact.
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"It will be people with limited resources. limited mobility and access to transportation," Rodes said.
Residents are just learning about the closure, effective May 31. The last day of business is May 30.
Beginning June 1, postal services will be relocated to Jackson Plaza in Sylva, which is four and a half miles away.
Lois Tolley has used the small rural post office for almost 40 years. It's a place she says fosters a sense of home.
"The locality of it and the familiarity of it and the local people," said Tolley.
Residents used to walking to the post office will have to change routines.
"Now we're going to have to switch to delivery and use a mailbox. Have our packages delivered here. Otherwise, we have to drive to Sylva," said Allen Davis.
Residents said the loss of the post office is a loss of quality of life.
"Our family walks here every day to check the mail. Our kids get suckers from the counter," said Brandon Core.
All customers will now have to decide between putting up a mailbox or driving to a PO Box in Sylva.
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The notice said there's no impact on post office box numbers and the zip code will stay the same.
"It gives me hope that maybe there's some chance that there's an alternate solution for a post office to return to Webster," said Core.
USPS said the relocation to Sylva is temporary and finding a new location for a Webster post office is in the works.
The postal service says:
"When a relocation is required, the Postal Service attempts to find a location as close to the current location as possible that is suitable for our short- and long-term operational needs."
Rodes said the current post office sits on private property. She said the lease hasn't been renewed.
"I believe it's a 5-year lease that the USPS enters into and I don't think there was an agreement reached on the amount of the lease," she said.
She said for many, the temporary relocation to Sylva will be an inconvenience, especially as major construction is about to begin on Highway 107.
FULL POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT:
"The Postal Service was unable to renew our lease to remain in the Webster Post Office building. We have initiated the relocation process. Customers will have the opportunity to provide comments and feedback before the Postal Service determines the location of a new facility. When a relocation is required, the Postal Service attempts to find a location as close to the current location as possible that is suitable for our short- and long-term operational needs.
Postal operations for Webster customers will temporarily relocate to the Sylva Post Office on June 1, while the Postal Service searches for a new location for the Webster Post Office.
We look forward to sharing more information when updates become available. We thank customers for their understanding and continued support."