Security personnel were sent to Happy Jacks store at 9am yesterday to retrieve any mail that had been left.

The owner of the store, which housed the post office, had refused entry to Australia Post employees and representatives.

In February, residents were upset by a letter sent from the store owner demanding they shop at the store or risk losing the post office facility.

The letter said the post office was a financial and labour drain on the core business and would close by March 19.

Australia Post spokeswoman Nadine Lyford said the store owner put up little opposition to the security group, who transferred the mail to the Marong post office.

“From my understanding it was all pretty peaceful.

“The mail can now be collected from Marong.”

Ms Lyford said Australia Post would work with the City of Greater Bendigo to get planning approval for a nest of community mail boxes in Lockwood South.

“We’re hoping to have something there for residents as soon as possible.”

A resident of the area said the store had once been a local hub and had played an important community role.

“I think others would agree, but I’m not going to be bullied into shopping there.”

Another resident said the extra 10-minute drive to Marong would be inconvenient for most people in the area.

“I just can’t believe it has come to this.

“People will now do their business in Marong.

“We’re just astonished.’’