THE results of a £1.1m makeover will be on show later this month when Richmond's old post office reopens as the town's newest pub.

A bar replaces the old counters and sorting office in The Ralph Fitz Randal, in Queens Road, now owned by the Wetherspoon's chain.

The company was originally aiming to open its newest venture at Christmas, but complications during the redevelopment of a sensitive site meant the launch date was set back, first for February and then the Easter weekend.

Management has now confirmed the opening ceremony will be held on Monday, April 15.

Wetherspoon's arrival will create 30 full and part-time jobs in a town which has seen a number of shops close over the past 12 months.

The former Spar store in the town centre is still empty while travel agents, Captain Travel, in Finkle Street, went into liquidation last month.

Richmondshire District Council has also set alarm bells ringing by signalling a possible move to a new business park at Colburn.

However, Wetherspoon's will not be welcomed with open arms by every Richmond business.

Landlords have already claimed the number of pubs in the town is close to saturation point, with almost 40 premises with liquor licences - the equivalent of one for every 75 people living within a half-mile radius of the town centre.

"There are people who are worried about the impact another new pub is going to have on their livelihood," said local licensed victuallers' chairman Steve Moss.

"There's no doubt Wetherspoon's is an established company and I'm sure the new pub will bring people in, but only time will tell what impact it will have on others."

The Ralph Fitz Randal will focus on cask-conditioned beers, with a full menu on offer during opening hours.

At present, planning restrictions ban music and pool tables and limit the opening of the beer garden at the back of the premises to 9pm.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming customers to the pub," said new manager Richard Archibald.

"I'm confident people will be impressed with the transformation of the former post office and that the Ralph Fitz Randal will be a good addition to the town.