Staff suddenly walked out at Meltham Post Office today ... but they are due back at work tomorrow.

The Carlile Institute branch on Huddersfield Road was closed to the public all today, due to a decision taken by employees this morning.

The closure has been blamed by Richard Noon, secretary for the Meltham Carlile Community Interest Company and independent town councillor, on a “breakdown in communication in the branch.”

Meltham Post Office shuts suddenly

It forced people wanting to use the service to travel to Slaithwaite, Netherton or Honley.

But late today he said: “The Post Office will be open as usual tomorrow with the same staff. The situation is just being finalised.”

The Post Office moved into the volunteer-run building in September 2014 .

Mr Noon said: “Staff have walked out on ill-founded claims. We’ve been running for over 12 months and the branch has been a great success.

“Ultimately, managing this type of business is difficult to do on a volunteer basis when we have our full-time jobs on top .

“There has been a breakdown in communication in the branch and we are working to resolve this as soon as possible.

“The branch has twice recently been audited by Post Office Ltd and passed with flying colours.

“Today is disappointing for those who have put a lot into the branch and we apologise to customers.”

Meltham Post Office shuts suddenly

“The Post Office was moved to the building to make it a major community hub.

Clr Paul White, who is also involved in the Carlile Institute, added: “Our audits are regular and this is not an issue with financial impropriety.”

The Post Office was unable to provide any more details on the exact cause of the dispute.

A Post Office spokeswoman said: “We would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Meltham Post Office.

“We are working hard to restore services to the area as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, customers can access Post Office services at any alternative branch.”