THE search is on to find an alternative site for a village post office and save pensioners from a four-mile trek.

Stillingfleet Post Office and shop is to close at next month after owners, Stephen and Jackie Ramsey, decided it was time to retire.

Selby MP John Grogan has stepped in to help relocate the facilities. But despite their best efforts to find a buyer, the 300 residents of Stillingfleet look set to face a trek to Escrick for their shopping.

Now, the village hall is being touted as a possible site after a meeting between the parish council, the Selby MP and senior management from the Post Office. "The post office is one of the main amenities in the village alongside the pub," said Mr Grogan. "It is going to be a big blow to the local community when it closes."

Grahame Wright, clerk to the parish council, is hopeful of finding a solution to suit the village's elderly residents.

"We are trying to find someone who is willing to do the post office job," he said. "Once we have found a suitable person then we have to think venue, they may be able to do it in their own home, otherwise the village hall may be a possibility."

He added that if the post office could not be retained in the village then alternatives would be sought, such as organising buses to the post office in Escrick and then on to a supermarket.

Mr Ramsey, 56, who is retiring with his wife to Huddersfield after 22 years in Stillingfleet, said "We love this village. We are not going because of the village, we are not going because of problems with the shop, we are going because we want a change in our life."

"After years of running hardware stores and hairdressers, Jackie just wants to be a normal housewife."

The couple told the Evening Press that the property has been on the market for a year and they were hoping to sell the business as well as the house.

"We have known for years that when we retire the post office will then be only part-time, just 18 hours a week, and there isn't enough money in that to make it worthwhile for anyone," said Stephen. "We could be here for ever if we waited for a buyer of the post office.

"We've had a great time here and will be sorry to leave."

Lynn Hobbs, head of retail networks at the Post Office, said: "The level of business at that post office only warrants part-time hours.

"But we want to maintain the service and we are doing everything we can with the parish council to help find an alternative venue.

"We are arranging a visit to some of the premises that might be available."

The post office is set to close on September 20 and the shop on September 23.

PICTURE: RETIRING: Stephen and Jackie Ramsey, of Stillingfleet Post Office, who are leaving after 22 years in the village