VILLAGERS in Burton-in-Lonsdale are fearing for the future of their post office.

A new sub-postmaster is needed who can provide their own premises in the village to take over from Jean Murray, whose family has run Burton Post Office for 52 years.

Mrs Murray has run the office as part of her shop in the High Street for years, but, due to ill health, she has given up the post office side of the business.

Temporary sub-postmasters have been looking after the post office in the shop, but now Post Office Counters wants to find a permanent solution.

Any new sub-postmaster would have to provide the premises for the post office, in a similar situation to that faced by Low Bentham last year when Fraser Wilkins retired.

New premises and a new sub-postmaster were found for Low Bentham, but Burton villagers fear they could end up losing their post office. If someone is not found quickly, Post Office Counters could stop providing temporary sub-postmasters in Mrs Murray's shop.

Bob Swallow, chairman of Burton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council, said: "If something doesn't happen they could close it down. With a predominantly ageing population, we are concerned that we don't lose the post office. A lot of people don't have transport, and the nearest post office is in High Bentham."

Ian Liley, retail network manager for Post Office Counters, said he wanted any comments on the moving of the post office by June 26, and invited any potential sub-postmasters to apply.

He said: "This is a good business opportunity for the right applicant if suitable premises can be found. Any new office would incorporate a one-counter position, with the same range of services and at least the same hours of business as the present one."

But the parish council has written to Mr Liley, being particularly concerned at the apparent short deadline.

"We have written to them about the time scale, and asked what they have done to advertise the vacancy," said Mr Swallow.

Mrs Murray, whose mother took over the post office 52 years ago, told the Herald: "I don't want it to go out of the village if we can help it."

Any comments on the proposal to move the office should be sent to Mr Lily at Network Transformation, Post Office Counters Ltd, Capstan House, Chandlers Point, 35 Broadway, Salford Quays, Manchester, M5 2YY. Anyone interested in being appointed sub-postmaster should ring Agency Recruitment on 0161 886 6112.

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