DOZENS of people have signed a petition urging the Post Office to reconsider its decision to reduce the kiosk opening hours at their North Yorkshire village shop.

The Lawton family decided to buy the business in Leeming just before Christmas, even though they knew the times were being reduced from 36 hours a week to 28.

But, once they moved in, it became evident they were among the few who did - and local residents have reacted angrily since.

They haveve accused Post Office bosses of dirty tricks and a petition demanding a rethink has attracted about 30 names.

New shop owner Steve Lawton has also found himself on the receiving end of criticism from people who have mistakenly linked his arrival with reduced hours - and assumed he is behind the move.

"We are very much in favour of longer hours and convenience; for example, the shop is not closed at lunch time anymore," he said.

However, he admitted that, on some days, it would be hard to argue there is a need for longer Post Office hours, as customers can be "thin on the ground".

The Post Office said it was aware of local feeling on the issue.

A spokesman said: "The level of business in all our offices are reviewed regularly and, if we reduce hours in some, it is to help to protect and maintain the rest of the network.

"However, we remain flexible and should business increase, then we would consider re-introducing longer opening hours."