SIR - I am dismayed to learn of the intention to close Martins Newsagents in Baildon town centre within the near future.

This means not only the loss of a high- profile business in the town centre but perhaps more importantly puts into danger the future of a central Post Office.

The town centre has lost its last bank in the recent past and if the Post Office also goes, it will be losing the final banking and postal facility used by the businesses in that area of Baildon. When Santander closed its bank branch in Baildon, it cited the presence of the Post Office as a reason local people and businesses could still access financial facilities.

The loss of a further valuable service to the people of Baildon cannot be allowed to happen. It is particularly important at this difficult time for our businesses that key facilities are not lost to them. I call upon the Post Office management to honour its promise in 2015, when it moved the facility into Martins, that the town centre would continue to have a viable provision, by seeking alternative accommodation vigorously.

Peter Ashton, Sandals Road, Baildon