MYSTERY surrounds the reason behind the temporary closure of a community post office.

Durham Road Post Office in the Newtown area of Stockton, which is based inside a shop, has been closed for nearly two weeks and no date has been set for its reopening.

A shop-worker said he had no idea why the post office had been closed and a spokeswoman for the Post Office said: "We are not giving a reason at this stage.”

The spokeswoman added: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers following the temporary closure of Durham Road Post Office branch on Thursday, May 2.

"We are committed to re-establishing a Post Office service as soon as possible and are working hard to do so.”

The nearest alternative branch is at 141, Dumbarton Avenue, Stockton.