A temporary post office has opened in Haxby after the town’s last branch closed.
York Outer MP Luke Charters, alongside the area’s ward councillors, welcomed the news but said: “We need to keep pushing for a permanent post office that serves our community.”
The post office “on wheels” has opened at the Oaken Grove Community Centre and will deliver a wide range of postal and banking services to residents.
Haxby and Wigginton’s Liberal Democrat ward councillors said the mobile branch, open Monday to Friday, will remain in place for up to six months as work to secure a permanent home for a post office in the town continues.
Cllr Andrew Hollyer said the opening at Oaken Grove is a “fantastic moment”, while Cllr Richard Watson hailed it a “big win for the community”.
Cllr Ian Cuthbertson added: “This is proof of what can be achieved when local councils and campaigners work together.”
The Post Office has now launched a consultation on the temporary service, with Mr Charters urging residents to take part.
“This is not just about the short-term setup,” the Labour MP said. “It’s a chance to show the strength of local demand and help secure a permanent home for the post office in Haxby."
Mr Charters said he had worked with Haxby Town Council on the proposals and was “proud of what we’ve achieved”.
“But a temporary fix isn’t enough,” he said. “We need to keep pushing for a permanent post office that serves our community.”
Post office closure was a 'real blow for residents' - MP
Mr Charter said he was “gutted” when the Morrisons Daily branch in The Village, which housed Haxby’s post office office, closed in May due to nationwide cuts by the supermarket.
“It was a real blow for residents, and I know how much it mattered to people. But through sheer grit and determination, we’ve won it back, for now.
“This is a huge step forward, but settling for a short-term fix isn’t in anyone’s interests. We need to keep the momentum going and push for a permanent solution.
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“Over the past six months, I’ve pushed hard in Parliament, met with senior Post Office leaders, ministers, LINK and others, and worked closely with Haxby Town Council to get us here.
“I personally secured a delay to the original closure and have campaigned ever since to bring services back.
“I’m hugely grateful to the town council. Together we made a strong case, and I’m delighted the Post Office listened and delivered a temporary solution."
He added: “This really matters to me. I’m not stopping until we get the permanent post office that Haxby deserves.”
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