PENSIONERS worst fears have been

confirmed as a much-needed sub-post office is set to close its doors.

Now elderly residents say they will face a gruelling trek to pay a bill or cash their pension.

The axe has been hanging over the sub-post office in Leeds Road, in Ilkley for some time.

An ongoing search to find somebody to run it on a permanent basis has finally proved fruitless.

The new owner of the building is set to take possession on March 31 - and the Post Office say time has simply run out.

A spokesman said: "We had somebody but they have not taken it on.

"So, unfortunately it is going to close next week, if things do not change between now and then.

"It has got to the point where a decision has to be made. The owner cannot wait any longer."

Developer Chris Battersby, of Skipton Road, who now owns the building, had been keen to retain it as a sub-post office.

He said it was with disappointment that he now must find another tenant.

Mr Battersby said: "I have no power over the post office. It is an entirely separate business.

"I am happy to rent to somebody if they want to use the premises as a sub-post office. Other than that it is out of my

control."

Auditors are due to go into the shop next week to make a final assessment.

The elderly residents of a block of flats on Dean Street, who used the sub-post office on a daily basis, say they are

devastated at the news.

William Redman, 81, of Dean Street, said: "I think its shocking. I am terribly disappointed. It is a bad thing for us.

I pay all my bills at the post office. I am going to have to walk all the way to Ilkley to the bank.

"I have to stop three or four times because I get short of breath. It's a terrible situation."

Raymond Cooke, also 81, said: "It is definitely a blow. Not only for us but for all old age pensioners in the area.

"It means we will all have to go either to Ben Rhydding, which is a bind, or to Ilkley, which is already over-crowded.

"The chap who owns it now has been good. You really can't blame him."

A glimmer of hope was offered to residents as the post office said it was looking at keeping services running in other premises.

The spokesman said: "We are looking at the possibility of alternative premises.

"We do not have any details on that at present because the application has not been finalised.

"There is a slight possibility. That is what we are hoping at the moment."

l Services have been kept on going on a temporary basis by a Post Office clerk since sub-postmaster David Todd disappeared last year.

He was found months later safe and well after a police search but didn't return to his former job and his family left the area.