A VILLAGE post office could be run from a local pub in plans backed by an MP.

Miguel Schreck, who runs the New Inn in Wilsden, suggested the idea after the sudden closure of Wilsden Post Office last month.

“I’m a pub in the heart of the village and I want to help the village, which I hope will then help me,” Mr Schreck said.

“If providing a post office keeps people happy and in good spirits, then that’s good for me too.

“We’ve met with the Post Office’s regional development manager and at the moment it’s in their hands.

“I don’t own the pub, so I’ve also contacted Punch Taverns development manager to see if there are any ramifications regarding my tenancy.

“I would like to install a separate counter in the bar area which could used between 10am and 5pm and then be cordoned off.”

Mr Schreck said the Post Office seemed to prefer the idea of a service area on the pub bar, which would be divided by a perspex barrier.

“But I don’t think that would work as people might not like being that close to alcohol for political or religious reasons. Also they may not like the idea of withdrawing cash while being watched by people who are drinking,” Mr Schreck said.

“Where we stand at the minute is the suggestion has been put forward, so we’ll see how it goes from here.”

Local MP Philip Davies has written to people living in the village about the suggestion and to Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells in support of Mr Schreck’s plan. He said: “This will ultimately assist in keeping the post office facilities open in Wilsden and I very much support this notion.”

Stressing the seriousness of local need, Mr Davies (Con) said: “It is extremely important that post office services continue to be available in Wilsden and I will do all I can to press the Post Office to ensure that happens.

“I am very grateful to the landlord of the New Inn for offering his premises for this purpose, and I hope that local residents in Wilsden get their Post Office back very soon.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Wilsden Post Office following the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of premises for post office use.

“We would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to restore the service to the community as soon as possible and are committed to maintaining services in the area.

“Any change that involves relocating the post office would be subject to a full public consultation and we will work hard to minimise any inconvenience to our customers during the process.”