‘A huge blow’: York post office is set to close

The Post Office in Clifton, York, is set to close on 16 March – less than two years since it opened in Heron Foods.

But the closure may only be temporary.

A consultation document from Allison Wallace, change officer at Post Office Ltd, says the branch in Heron Foods on Burton Stone Lane has to shut following the resignation of the operator. She writes:

• I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.

  In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.
  

MP steps in

York Central MP Rachael Maskell is working to ensure a resumed service. She said:

• This is a huge blow to Clifton. This is the second time in four years that Clifton residents have been left without post office services.

  I have arranged to meet with the Post Office to see what can be done to ensure the closure is temporary and residents are not without the use of a local service for too long.
  

Clifton Councillor Margaret Wells said she was disappointed to hear of the loss of the post office again. The Heron Foods counter only opened in May 2018.

“Before Heron Foods opened Clifton was without a post office for 18 months and many of our residents, particularly our older residents, struggled to make their way to other post offices.

“Everyone was relieved when services were reinstated in Clifton. It is very disappointing but, like last time, we will work with the Post Office and local residents to try and make sure services are restored as quickly as possible.