An inquiry into “unforeseen circumstances” at Cardigan Post Office is continuing with the office closed to the public.

Scores of Christmas shoppers and others visiting the post office in High Street on Friday morning found the premises closed and a notice on the door stating “Due to unforeseen circumstances this branch is closed until further notice.”

The notice listed post offices at Aberporth, St Dogmaels and Cilgerran as alternatives and apologised for any inconvenience.

As people waited outside an irate local resident said “What a time to close the post office – on the last posting day for Christmas. Many people can’t travel to other post offices.”

Confirming that an inquiry was ongoing a Post Office spokesperson said “We would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to restore the service to the community as soon as possible and are committed to maintaining services in the area.”