I AM no longer surprised that so many post offices are facing closure because of perceived lack of use.

On Saturday, I popped into the Central Post Office in Lendal to get my Lottery tickets and some stamps.

I went to counter ten, the Lotto counter, and got there just after another customer had been called to position ten from the main queue. The man purchased postage stamps, so emboldened by this fact and the fact that I could see a stack of stamps in the cash till drawer behind the counter, I asked for my stamps with my Lotto tickets.

“I can’t sell you stamps from this counter,” was the reply. “But you just sold him some...” I thought.

The biggest insult as yet to come however. “And do you need to top up your mobile-phone?” I was asked.

Er, no, I just want stamps. I shall not be buying stamps or Lotto tickets from the post office again.

Stop all this rubbish about trying to sell travel insurance, etc, to people who have just come in for stamps – shift those queues by just dealing with what people come in to do.

Dr Richard Greaves, Morehall Close, York.