Liberal Democrat ward councillors for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe are demanding answers from Post Office Ltd on the sudden closure of Dringhouses Post Office on Tadcaster Road.
The Post Office, located in a Mace convenience store, has had all services ceased ‘indefinitely’ due to unforeseen circumstances, according to the Post Office. No notification has been received by the Post Office regarding the closure and currently, only a small sign in the window of the Mace store has been used to communicate the closure.
Today, staff at the store told Minster FM that they were under the impression that Post Office services would return soon.
The convenience store part of the shop is still open for business.
Minster FM has been unable to talk to the owner of the shop so far.
Cllr Stephen Fenton, ward councillor for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe, said:
“The Post Office on Tadcaster Road provides a valuable service for the local community and its sudden loss is a huge blow, particularly for elderly or vulnerable residents who are unable to access services further afield.
The timing of this closure couldn’t be worse. There are many residents wanting to send Christmas mail to family and friends, home or abroad, and they will now have to use other Post Office outlets if possible.
I am very disappointed by the lack of communication from Post Office Ltd. Their Code of Practice places emphasis on communicating with Local Authorities and others, where there are changes to service provision. However, this sudden closure has taken everyone by surprise. As far as I am aware, there has been no communication to the Council and there has certainly been no approach to local councillors.
I have asked Post Office Ltd for an urgent conversation to pursue answers to the questions that I, and other residents, have about the future of our local Post Office.”