A YORK sub-postmaster, whose post office is due to receive a bank-style cash machine as part of new Government rescue package, claims planners are set to block the proposal.

Ghulan Rabbani, sub-postmaster at the Haxby Road post office, was one of many post office workers around the nation who had been celebrating the news that the Government intends to help the service survive by converting it into a "universal bank".

His branch had been selected by the Post Office to get a cash machine.

But Mr Rabbani now claims he has been told that City of York Council intends to refuse the plans.

He was given the news when he telephoned the council, ahead of the July meeting at which the matter was tabled for discussion.

This was followed by a letter stating the issue had been postponed until a meeting on August 15.

And a letter sent to him by an officer, dated July 14 and seen by the Evening Press, also states: "The recommendation for this application will be the following: 'Refuse'."

Mr Rabbani said: "On the one hand, the Government is trying to give us a future.

"But now the council are trying to close us down. I can't see any planning issue because there is already a cash machine in the street.

"Cash machines are the only way forward.

"I'm appealing to the committee to come to their senses. With all the Nestl staff and students around there is a real need for it in the area."

Mr Rabbani has collected a 15-page petition to support his application.

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "We are still investigating this particular application and it's wrong to say that we have decided to make a recommendation either way.

"The letter was sent out in error, when the planning officer was minded to recommend refusal on the facts and consultation responses available at the time.

"However, new information came to light and it was decided to re-examine the issue.

"We have had letters against situating a cash point in this area and a petition in favour of the idea.

"There is a traffic and public safety issue because of where the Post Office is, but we are still investigating this angle.

"The final decision will rest in the hands of the planning committee."

PICTURE: Ghulan Rabbani outside the Haxby Road post office which is at the centre of a row over a cash machine

Picture: Nigel Holland