AN MP has demanded answers after a village’s post office service was suspended without explanation.

The temporary closure of Boosbeck Post Office, in east Cleveland, is understood to be linked to the controversial Horizon computer system which is used in sub-post offices and has prompted hundreds of complaints.

Neil Johnson, who owns Mace Convenience Stores, in the High Street, where the post office is based, said he had been invited to a meeting at the end of the month with Post Office bosses, but so far had not been given a full explanation over the suspension.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop said this wasn’t good enough and an honest shopkeeper risked being tarnished by rumours.

Mr Blenkinsop said: “I did write on Mr Johnson’s behalf to the Post Office’s parliamentary liaison office, but all I have had back so far is the standard response that this is ‘being looked at’.

“This is going to mean yet another question to ministers in coming days.”

The post office moved into the convenience store after the previous post office in the village closed because of retirement.

The nearest alternative is in Skelton or Lingdale.

Mr Johnson said: “I really have to apologise for not being able to offer the post office service the village deserves.

“All I want is a full explanation to see what can be put right or amended.”

He said he had been invited to a meeting on the 31st to discuss the situation.

Mr Blenkinsop added: “At the root of everything is the fact that sub post offices are privatised and are unaccountable to the public and even MPs.”

A Post Office spokeswoman would not elaborate on the reason for the temporary closure, but said it apologised for any inconvenience caused to local residents.

She said: “We would like to reassure customers that we will restore the service to the community as soon as possible and are committed to maintaining services in the area.

“In the meantime, customers can access Post Office services at Lingdale, North Skelton or Skelton in Cleveland.”

The latest problem for residents accessing Post Office services comes just months after a controversial plan to move Saltburn’s main office.

Mr Blenkinsop raised concerns that people would find it difficult getting to the new location, which was 350 metres away from the town centre.

The Post Office said the new outlet, in the Nisa shop on Windsor Road, will be a “vibrant, new style” facility and open extra hours a week.