Post Office Fails to Win Friends in Knaresborough Amid Silence Over £370,000 Debt

The Post Office has once again found itself at the center of controversy in Knaresborough, as the organization’s reputation continues to suffer from a series of poor decisions. Despite the joy of having a full postal service restored to the town, concerns about the suitability of the site and the postmaster have left many residents and local leaders disappointed and frustrated.

A Saga of Poor Communication

The saga began on June 10, when the Post Office announced plans to relocate the Knaresborough branch from its standalone unit at 49 High Street into the nearby pharmacy. However, the branch closed suddenly the following day when the former premises were repossessed by the landlord, Depho Estates Ltd. The reason behind this sudden closure was the postmaster’s company, VPS PVT Ltd, going into liquidation, owing over £378,000, including £269,180 to HMRC alone.

Depho Estates has expressed its shock and disappointment at the Post Office’s decision to allow the postmaster, Ankur Singh, to continue operating in the town despite the massive debt owed to HMRC. The company has also accused the Post Office of failing to communicate effectively and ignoring the concerns of local residents.

A post office logo.

Lack of Transparency

The six-week consultation process did not provide the option of a new postmaster, raising concerns about the level of engagement and transparency from the Post Office. Local leaders, including Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the decision, calling it a “half-baked plan” that will hurt essential health services and provide a diminished Post Office service.

Knaresborough high street.

Unanswered Questions

Despite numerous attempts to contact the Post Office for comments and answers to questions, the organization has refused to provide any additional information. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the Post Office’s behavior and whether it has acted in an ethical and responsible manner.

Conclusion

The Post Office’s reputation continues to suffer from poor decisions and a lack of transparency. The people of Knaresborough deserve better, and it is essential that the Post Office takes steps to address the concerns of local residents and leaders. The resumption of a full postal service is welcome news, but the questions surrounding the postmaster’s suitability and the organization’s behavior must be answered.