POST Office management are still insisting there are no plans to relocate a counter service, despite a national pub chain's successful application to redevelop the building as a night spot.

J D Wetherspoon has planning consent to convert the old sorting office and Post Office counter on Queen's Road, in Richmond, into a pub.

The firm even announced a name last month, confirming its newest venture will be known as the Ralph Fitz Randal, commemorating the man who helped the Grey Friars settle in Richmond, in the 13th Century.

Contractors are expected to arrive in July to start work on the redevelopment with November pencilled in as a date for completion.

Council meetings which discussed the project heard that the Post Office counter service would have to relocate and that a hunt had begun for suitable sites.

With the closure of the town's Spar shop confirmed last week, there is speculation in the town that the Post Office may fill the slot left vacant on the Market Place.

However, a Consignia spokesman said yesterday: "At this moment in time, there are no foreseeable plans to relocate the Post Office and we will not comment on speculation or rumour.''

A spokesman for Wetherspoon's admitted last night he was surprised by the statement.

"Our understanding is that the Post Office is looking for another site and that work will begin on the new pub when relocation is complete.

"It may be the management do not want to say much until they have found a new home - but our information is that they are looking,'' he said.