RESIDENTS in Stokesley are concerned that they could lose the town's post office when the current sub-postmaster leaves.

Ian Mundell, who has run Stokesley post office for 26 years, plans to retire and has put his shop in the High Street up for sale.

But it is believed the prospective buyer does not wish to carry on with the post office side of the business.

Mr Mundell told the D&S Times on Wednesday that he was in "very delicate negotiations at the moment" and could not comment any further.

North Yorkshire county councillor Caroline Seymour, who represents Stokesley, said the town could not manage without a post office.

She said: "The situation is not yet totally clear, but it seems unlikely that the people interested in buying the business will want to run it as a post office.

"What I am concerned about is whether the Post Office can whip through its bureaucracy to get somebody in quickly or open a temporary office.

"I understand there are other people who would be prepared to take it over elsewhere in the town."

A spokesman for Post Office Ltd said: "The current sub-postmaster is selling his business and relinquishing postal services within it.

"Post Office Ltd is actively seeking new premises in which to relocate the post office in Stokesley and negotiations are currently taking place.

"Should anyone be interested in either providing premises or running a post office, please telephone 08457 223344."