Post Office branch forced to close in Harrogate temporarily

One of Harrogate's remaining local post offices has been forced to close temporarily to customers in the community.
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A statement on the official Post Office website said the Starbeck branch was "temporarily closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances."

A handwritten notice on the shop window gives a clearer explanation, saying: "Very sorry - due to illness, Covid-19, - we are closed until April 29"

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In accordance with government guidance, social distancing had been taking place both inside and Starbeck Post Office, often causing queues to build up on High Street.

A handwritten notice on the shop window at the Post Office in Harrogate.A handwritten notice on the shop window at the Post Office in Harrogate.
A handwritten notice on the shop window at the Post Office in Harrogate.

The Starbeck branch is well used in the local community.

As well as standard mail services, its also offers bill payments, current accounts, foreign currency, car licences, a document certification service and more.

During the crisis, Post Offices have been designated an essential service, staying open to provide a vital lifeline for banking services, collecting benefits, bill payments and to enable letters and parcels to be sent.

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Even so, it has been stressed that its customers should consider if their visit to their local Post Office is essential in order to help ensure the safety and well being of both Post Office teams and customers.

The national Post Office has previously warned customers that, because of the pandemic, it was possible branch opening times could change at short notice.

The nearest other post offices still open in Harrogate include one at KIng's Edward Drive in Bilton and Harrogate's main post office situated on the first floor of WH Smith's retailers in Victoria Shopping Centre in the town centre.

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