A CHAPEL could be the new home for a village post office which closed suddenly nine months ago.
Fed-up residents of Northop Hall were forced to travel to Connah’s Quay, Mold and Ewloe after their local branch shut in April due to the postmaster’s ill health.
Community leaders who vowed to reopen a post office have narrowed their search to a village pub and a nearby Methodist chapel, but ward member Cllr Tony Sharps would not reveal their exact locations.
Two people have also been shortlisted for the coveted role of postmaster.
Cllr Sharps told the Leader: “We said no stone would be left unturned in this process and they certainly haven’t
“We thought we had found the perfect place but unfortunately it fell through. But we are still hoping and still trying.
“It has caused a considerable amount of inconvenience to villagers, especially to mothers with prams and pensioners.
“But I’m doing everything I can to secure this service.”
There were hopes a family from the village, who currently run the Spar store, would be able to take over the running of the facility but their application was turned down by the Post Office.
A Post Office spokesman said: “We know how much our customers rely on our branches to access their cash and the many other products and services we offer.
“I would like to reassure residents in and around the Northop Hall area that we are committed in finding a solution and are anxious to re-establish a service as soon as possible.”
l It is not the first time a village post office has been given an unusual home.
In October 2009, the branch in Llanarmon-yn-Ial, closed after the subpostmaster retired.
But enterprising residents brought it back to life in June 2010 when the service was run from the Raven Inn pub.
The post office is run by a committee of locals who offered their services for two hours a week.