THERE are still plans to reopen a post office in York, despite the convenience store which it was based inside closing recently.

Dringhouses Post Office was situated inside the Mace shop, in Tadcaster Road.

The Press reported on December 1 last year that the branch had closed suddenly, while the shop remained open at the time. A poster had been placed in the window of the store saying: “The post office will be closed for the next few weeks due to a change in management.”

But the shop itself has now closed and may not not reopen.

The Post Office told The Press it is "working hard" to reopen the Dringhouses branch.

A spokesperson for Mace said: "The vast majority of our stores are owned by independent retailers, as was this store on Tadcaster Road.

"Unfortunately the owner has taken the decision to close the store and at present we are unable to confirm whether it will reopen.”

Dringhouses and Woodthorpe ward councillor Stephen Fenton said it would be a "serious blow" if Dringhouses was to lose its post office, with the nearest alternatives being Acomb, Woodthorpe and the city centre.

He said: "Residents who don't have their own transport, or who struggle to access public transport, would suffer. I am very disappointed at the Post Office's failure to communicate with the local community about what's going on, they have failed to adhere to their own code of practice.

"As far as the shop is concerned, its loss would be a blow, though there is a Co-op store at the garage nearby.

"A café recently opened up next door to the Post Office / Mace, which is a welcome addition to the retail offer in Dringhouses. It would be a shame if an empty shop were now to appear."

The Post Office was unable to confirm if it is looking for a new location for the branch, or if it would be based at the same location.

A Post Office spokesman said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the continued temporary closure of Dringhouses Post Office.

"We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services and would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to restore services to the community as quickly as possible.”