HALTWHISTLE'S post office is set to close at the end of the month following the resignation of the serving postmaster.

In a letter to customers seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Post Office has insisted the branch in Belford House on Main Street will only be closed “temporarily” from January 30.

However, it added that the “opportunity” could be taken to establish an “alternative type of service”.

While the Post Office has pledged to “work hard” to restore services, there is currently no date set for a reopening.

Councillor Ian Hutchinson, who represents the Haltwhistle ward on Northumberland County Council, was concerned about the impact the closure could have on the town’s elderly residents.

He said: “It is bad news. The Post Office is looking to reopen, but my worry is they won’t find anybody to run it. It will have to be viable for someone to take it on.

“There are a lot of elderly people in Haltwhistle and it is going to be a hell of a thing for people to get their pensions. The nearest ones are either in Gilsland or Haydon Bridge.

“Haydon Bridge isn’t too bad to get to by either bus or train, but they’re still going to have to get there which is going to add to the cost.”

The Post Office is now seeking a new person to run a branch on its behalf.

In a letter to customers, Gail Burnett – the Post Office’s Network Provision Lead – wrote: “The provision of a Post Office service to our customers in the local community is important to us, and we will continue to work hard to restore services in the area as soon possible. We would welcome any applications from potential retail partners interested in running a branch locally on our behalf.

“I would like to assure you that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community. In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for the Post Office.

“Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service. This may be a local style branch which runs alongside an established retail shop in newly refurbished premises and creates a more modern and convenient experience for customers.”