THE loss of a rural post office may only be temporary, according to a couple hoping to open a branch in the village.

Guesthouse owners Steve and Cath Cartridge have applied to run a post office in Aysgarth, North Yorkshire.

The resignation of the sub-postmaster and the sale of the premises meant the village's existing service closed yesterday.

The couple, who run Yoredale House guesthouse and Kitty's Tea Room, next door to the former post office, are hoping to convert their guest lounge into a small post office.

Mr Cartridge said: "We feel a post office is an integral part of a Yorkshire Dales village community - it's a vital amenity.

"If you lose the post office, you lose some of the village's atmosphere.

"It is not going to be quick. We have had an informal interview and are now applying for grants to make the room accessible."

Mr Cartridge said that if all goes to plan, they hope to open in November or December, possibly for six hours a day on Mondays and Thursdays.

A spokesman for Post Office Limited said it would not comment on individual applications to become a sub-postmaster.

Commenting on the closure of the village service, the Post Office's rural transfer advisor Joanne Moloney said: "We apologise for the inconvenience this closure will cause but I can assure customers that we are committed to restoring services to this area."

Until then, the Post Office is recommending customers use West Burton Post Office, Thoralby Post Office, or Bainbridge Post Office, at Riverside House, Bainbridge.

Meanwhile, the Original Wensleydale Cheese and Wine Shop, which was run alongside the former post office, is also due to close in the next few weeks.

To help fill the gap, the new post office would sell basic groceries, such as bread and milk, plus cheese and wine.

Mr and Mrs Cartridge, who moved to Aysgarth last November, are also planning to open a bakery next year to supply both villagers and visitors.

He said: "Everybody has been very friendly and helpful and our plans for the post office have been extremely well received."