A POSTMASTER has been suspended following an investigation at a local Post Office.

The Longroyd Bridge Post Office was closed on September 17 following a routine investigation by the Post Office.

Its sudden closure came as a surprise to many customers, who went to collect their pensions and benefits and found the shutters down.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: “Longroyd Bridge Post Office closed temporarily on Monday, September 17 following an audit.

“I can say that the normal practice was followed and a postmaster has been suspended following the investigation.

“We apologise to customers for any inconvenience this may cause and we’re doing all we can to reopen the branch as soon as possible.”

Residents contacted the Examiner after they found the St Thomas’ Road branch closed, with no signs explaining why it had shut or where their nearest branch was.

It left many elderly people unable to collect their pensions, having to travel into the town centre or rely on others to help them.

Carer Sarah Ali uses the branch in her role as carer to family members.

She said: “My grandmother is 82 and she finds it difficult to get there.

“I care for her and my uncle and go there all the time for them but we just haven’t been given any notice or information. I am having to go into town instead but it makes it much more difficult when you have to make a few trips.”

Resident James McElhoney said: “There was no notification about it closing, there is no notice on the door saying why it’s closed and no-one knows if it is permanent or not.

“People were given no warning.”

Customers are being advised to use the nearby Lockwood Post office on Lockwood Road, Paddock Post Office on Church Street or any bother branch.

Meanwhile, talks have started into the possible closure of 2,500 Post Offices.

The Government has advised the Post Office to close branches and open 500 ‘outreach’ services which could operate from a community centre or a travelling van in rural areas.

Huddersfield residents will be consulted about the plans from July 8 2008, with 11 weeks of pre-consultation and six weeks of public consultation into any proposed local closures.

No decision have yet been made by the Post Office over any local closures, but it is believed that most people will live within three miles of a branch after the closures.