VILLAGERS are concerned that the temporary closure of a post office could hit vulnerable residents.

The village post office at Marske, near Richmond, is to close temporarily on June 28 until new premises can be found.

Sub-postmaster John Simpson, who operates the post office from his home at Home Farm, has resigned and the premises will no longer be available.

The Post Office has vowed to reopen the post office once new premises can be found.

But the county councillor for Richmond North, Michael Heseltine, is worried that the closure could affect some of the most vulnerable villagers.

Coun Heseltine said: "This is a great shame. Although the facility was a small one, it did serve a large area and it means people will have to travel a great distance to the nearest post office.

"When you close down a post office it is like closing a shop or a school.

"It is not just the people in the village who use it, but the people who live further off the beaten track.

"It will be the people who use it the most, like the elderly, who will suffer the most."

Until a new office is opened, the Post Office is advising customers to use Richmond Post Office, in Finkle Street, West End Post Office, in Reeth Road, Richmond, or Reeth Post Office.

Rural transfer advisor Joanne Redpath said: "We apologise for the inconvenience this closure will cause, but I can assure customers that we are committed to restoring services to this area."

Anyone who is interested in the vacancy, who can offer suitable premises, can telephone 0845 6016260.