Pete Egerton

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

Fine Young Cannibals

Johnny Come Home

Listen Live Podcasts

Local MP "disappointed" after Knaresborough Post Office concerns dismissed

Tuesday, 13 August 2024 09:29

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.

Local MP Tom Gordon has expressed his disappointment after The Post Office announced Knaresborough's Post Office is to move inside Lloyds Pharmacy.

The plan involves retaining the current operator, who has not provided Post Office services since the start of June, and who is undergoing voluntary insolvency and reportedly owes over £250k to HMRC.

Tom Gordon MP, who had a number of phone calls with Post Office officials in recent days, expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision and the lack of transparency around it.

The MP has arranged to meet with Post Office Ltd, although this has not happened prior to this announcement.

Tom said:

“It is very disappointing to hear that the Post Office is going to continue with a half-baked plan that will hurt essential health services and provide a diminished Post Office service.

“Reopening Knaresborough’s existing Post Office should be a priority, and yet we still have no timetable for when services should be up and running.

“To suggest that the previous operator has to be the one to run a reopened service is astounding.

“They have failed to provide any Post Office services for the last 2 months."

Tom added:

“There are wider issues at play, like how can Post Office Ltd, owned by the Government, allow individuals who owe hundreds of thousands to HMRC to run contracts.

“When parliament returns I will look to make this point to the Postal Minister at the earliest opportunity.

“Post Office Ltd have dithered and delayed and ignored local residents. Simply put they have got this wrong.

“At a time when public trust with the Post Office is already at a low this will only further tarnish their reputation.

“It is extremely frustrating and disappointing that Post Office Ltd have not listened to local stakeholders and the community, and have insisted on going ahead with a plan that will harm Knaresborough rather than help it.”

More from Local News

Harrogate district teen named 'unsung hero' at Young Achievers Awards

A teenager from Kirkby Malzeard has been recognised for his commitment to family and his community at the 31st Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards.
WATCH: Sara Cox arrives at Harrogate school on final leg of fundraising challenge

BBC's Sara Cox arrived at Beckwithshaw Primary this morning as she began the final leg of her five-day fundraising journey for BBC Children in Need.
New counselling service in Harrogate welcomes clients

A newly established counselling service has launched in Harrogate, offering support both locally and across the UK.
Harrogate golf club raises over £12,000 for Saint Michael's

Rudding Park Golf Club has announced that more than £12,000 has been raised for Saint Michael’s Hospice over the course of 2025.
Councillors told to decline allowances if they don't agree with increase

North Yorkshire Council chiefs say councillors who do not agree with an increase in their allowances do not have to accept the money.
Maltkiln village development gets go-ahead despite plea for delay

Council chiefs have given the go-ahead for work to progress on the new Maltkiln village development — despite an 11th-hour plea from villagers for a decision to be delayed.
Route revealed for return of Ripon's Tinsel Tractor Run

The route for Ripon's Tinsel Tractor Run has been confirmed ahead of the festive fundraiser's return next month.
Christmas market to be held at Ripley Castle

Ripley Castle is set to host a Christmas market featuring Yorkshire produce from local traders.
Ripon café to host unique 'Dog Santa' event

A Ripon café is preparing to welcome four-legged visitors this week as it hosts a festive-themed 'Dog Santa' event.
Knaresborough rangers tackle leaves to keep streets clean and safe

Knaresborough's Town Ranger team has been busy across the town centre as they continue to clear fallen leaves and keep public spaces safe.
New pizzeria opens in Harrogate town centre

A new independent pizzeria has opened its doors in Harrogate town centre.
New art gallery opens in Harrogate

A new art gallery has opened its doors in Harrogate.
Warning over taxi drivers with criminal records getting licences from other authorities

North Yorkshire Council chiefs say taxi drivers with criminal records and unsafe vehicles are able to avoid their rigorous checks by obtaining a licence from other authorities.
Sales income means council-owned house builder is back in black

Recent income from sales means a North Yorkshire Council-owned house builder should not need to borrow more taxpayers’ money, a senior councillor has told colleagues.
Harrogate MP calls for greater support to help autistic people access employment

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for urgent action to ensure autistic people receive the right support to get into work and succeed in their careers.
Details revealed for return of Knaresborough Christmas Market

With under four weeks to go until its popular Christmas Market Weekend, Knaresborough promises to offer visitors a Yorkshire Christmas experience to remember this year.
Harrogate estate agent supports women's rugby team

Local estate agent Verity Frearson are continuing to show their support for Harrogate Women RUFC through an ongoing sponsorship agreement.
Council's homelessness strategy under fire as rough sleeping doubles

North Yorkshire Council is facing criticism over its approach to tackling homelessness after new figures revealed that rough sleeping has more than doubled in the past year.
Harrogate MP calls for hospitality VAT cut

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for an emergency cut to VAT for hospitality, entertainment and accommodation businesses.
Harrogate choir concert raises £400 for children's hospice

Harrogate Theatre Choir has raised £400 for charity following a sell-out performance in Wetherby.