AN APPEAL has been made for a business to come forward to take over the running of a post office in a Durham community.

Lib Dem councillors have made the call to ensure the future of post office services in Framwellgate Moor.

The post office, which was moved into a Nisa store on the Front Street about a year ago is to due to close on December 30 after the postmaster unexpectedly resigned.

Cllr Mark Wilkes said: “We challenged the closure of the stand-alone post office over concerns about the future of services a year or so ago.

“When the post office was moved into the Nisa store we thought great, the service is protected.

“Now that’s out the window. It is simply not acceptable for such a vibrant area with so much demand for postal services to not have a post office.”

Local Lib Dem councillors are approaching local businesses to see if any are willing to take on the service and will be speaking with Post Office Limited about what can be done.

In a letter to councillors, Post Office network operations advisor Angela Bettison said: “I would like to assure you that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a post office service to the local community.

“In exploring this it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service and for Post Office Limited.”

A concerned Cllr Amanda Hopgood said: “We need to protect the diversity of our shopping areas.

“So many people of all ages in Framwellgate Moor use postal services.

“The city centre post office was downgraded and we cannot afford to see the service in Framwellgate Moor disappear.”

Fellow Lib Dem councillor Mamie Simmons said she was particularly concerned about elderly and disabled residents who rely on the post office to collect pensions and benefits.

Councillors have already had calls from concerned residents.

She said: “We must find a solution, there are too many people who have no alternative.

“One lady has told us she doesn’t have a bank account and struggles to get into Durham.

“These kinds of people are going to be seriously impacted by the loss of these services.”

Residents can comment on the closure by email to comments@postoffice.co.uk or by post to “FREEPOST Your Comments”. They can also comment on the closure by email to comments@postoffice.co.uk or by post to “FREEPOST Your Comments”.