TAVISTOCK’S festive postal service provided by local girlguiders for more than 30 years has been shelved.

Last week, Girlguiding Tavy Division made the difficult decision to end its Christmas post service for homes in Tavistock and Whitchurch as it had become ‘unsustainable’.

Members of Tavistock Girlguiding set up and provided the service in December 1988 as a way to not only provide the organisation with funds but also provide a service to the community.

But over the years there has been a gradual decline in volunteers and cards received, as well as new estates and gated communities making delivery of cards challenging for the youngsters.

Sarah Maczugowska, division commissioner for Girlguiding Tavy Division, said: ‘After 30 years Girlguiding Tavy Division has taken the sad decision to stop providing a Christmas post service to Tavistock.’

‘Every year leaders and girls sell stamps, collect and sort the post before delivering to residents over the weekend before Christmas.

‘This has become harder to administer over the years and we have now reached the point where it has become unsustainable.’

Over the last six years more than 30,000 cards have been delivered by Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and leaders — making, on average, a profit of £1,200 per year which is then distributed between all units in the Tavy division.

Stamps were sold through various outlets in the town and cards posted in special boxes for sorting and delivery on the weekend before Christmas.

Administration took four to five months and relied on leaders supplying stamps, collecting post and money, sorting post into bundles, according to roads, for delivery and organising a delivery schedule.

Sarah added: ‘Over the last few years the number of guiding units in Tavistock has decreased meaning less girls and leaders to help sort and deliver.

‘It is with great sadness that we have decided not to continue with the Christmas Guide Post. We simply no longer have the resources to make it viable and to be able to deliver a reliable service.

‘Girlguiding Tavy would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters and the shops and other organisations for their wonderful help over the years in the selling of stamps and allowing us to place a collection box on their premises.

‘Also the girls, their families and leaders who have given their time willingly to deliver the post come rain, shine or snow and volunteer members who have collected, sorted, administered, co-ordinated and promoted the service.

‘And especially members of the Tavistock community who have supported our Christmas post over the last 30 years.’

Tavistock mayor Cllr Anne Johnson said: ‘I have used the Christmas Guide Post for many years and am sad to hear it will no longer be available.

‘I fully understand that this difficult decision has been made by the volunteers who are unable to continue.’