11
Jun 2024
Knaresborough to be without a Post Office until August
Knaresborough is set to be without a Post Office until August.
The Stray Ferret yesterday reported on plans for the Post Office to move just across the road to 34 High Street.
The national Post Office said the 'proposed' move was due to the lease expiring and a public consultation would be held ahead of the relocation.
However, the Knaresborough premises then closed suddenly and an enforcement notice was issued today.
The enforcement notice.
This has raised questions about the future of the town’s Post Office, which were echoed by North Yorkshire Councillor for Knaresborough East and former town mayor Hannah Gostlow.
Cllr Gostlow told the Stray Ferret the town council was “concerned about the impact on the community”, but added the post office was outside of the authority’s remit.
Knaresborough resident and former police, fire and crime commissioner Philip Allott told the Stray Ferret he suspected the move has been "bubbling up for some time".
As a regular user of the pharmacy, I can say with certainty some space was cleared inside at least six months ago.
I assumed it was solely for new NHS services, which I suspect will still happen, but now it makes more sense.
Mr Allott added the lack of communication between the Post Office and the town was "disgraceful". He said:
I imagine some older people will be very shocked and upset when they visit the Post Office on Wednesday – the peak day – and see it's closed.
‘Unforeseen circumstances’ led to closure
The Stray Ferret contacted the Post Office today to ascertain an opening date for the new Lloyds Pharmacy site. We also asked about the enforcement notice.
A spokesperson said:
Due to unforeseen circumstances the premises where Knaresborough Post Office has been based are unexpectedly no longer available for Post Office use. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Yesterday we began consultation on proposed plans to relocate Knaresborough Post Office across the road. Subject to consultation the branch will relocate in August.
In the interim there is Knaresborough Banking Hub at 15 Kirkgate, HG5 8AD, where personal and business customers can pay in cash and cheques, withdraw cash and do bill payments, utility payments and top ups.
Starbeck is the nearest Post Office for other types of mail (Royal Mail, Parcelforce and buy in branch, collection and drop off services for Evri and DPD), home shopping returns, foreign currency, vehicle licence renewal, money transfers, plus personal and business banking.
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