Closure of post office a big blow

People in New Shildon were greeted with closed shutters and a notice to say the post office had been closed temporarily because of unforeseen circumstances.

Its future is uncertain, because Post Office Counters is searching for alternative premises.

A spokesman for Post Office Counters apologised for any inconvenience the closure had caused, and said: "The premises does not belong to us so we are therefore unable to maintain a post office service from this premises.

"We are currently looking for someone with alternative premises in the area to run a post office service, and this might take some time."

The post office in New Shildon is the only one in the town where residents can renew car tax or apply for passports.

The chairman of New Shildon Residents' Association, David Snell, said yesterday that its loss was a blow.

He said: "It has been a mainstay in the community and it was well used. The residents, particularly the elderly, relied on it for their pensions."

Mr Snell said people in the community were taken aback by the closure and were not sure exactly what had happened.

He said: "The feeling is that it is yet another service being withdrawn from the New Shildon area."

County councillor for the area, Councillor John Quigley, said he was concerned for elderly residents having to make the trek to the post office in Church Street, in the town centre.

He said: "We can't do without it, to be honest. We have a lot of pensioners, and to walk up to Church Street is going to be a bit of a problem.''

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster, who represents Shildon, also expressed concern and has asked Post Office Counters to introduce a service at Church Street for people to renew their car tax.

Post Office Counters has agreed, and staff at Church Street are being trained to provide the service.

Meanwhile, anyone who has suitable premises in New Shildon for a post office should contact Post Office Counters on 08457 223344.