RESIDENTS of Ben Rhydding are being asked to let their local councillors know what they think of plans to move the village post office.

Ilkley Parish Council this week heard both concerns and potential benefits about proposals to move Ben Rhydding Post Office from Wheatley Lane to a convenience store on Valley Drive.

The parish council is among organisations being consulted by the Post Office on the move, which is being proposed with the agreement of the postmaster.

But councillors felt they could not not answer questions asked in the consultation on behalf of Ben Rhydding people - and have asked members of the public to contact the council’s clerk to make their views known.

Consultation opened earlier this month and will run until May 28, with the move expected to take place in July or August is the decision is made to go ahead.

In the consultation, Post Office Ltd asks: How suitable are the new location and premises and how easy is it to get there?

Are the premises easy to get into and is the inside easily accessible?

Do you have concerns about the new location?

Do you have any suggestions which could make it better?

Are there any community issues that could be affected by the move?

Is here anything you particularly like about the proposed change?

Parish council chairman, Andrew Walbank, asked residents to get in touch with the parish clerk at Ilkley Town Hall, on (01943) 436212 or by e-mail at Clerk@Parishcouncil.Ilkley.Org.

Ilkley parish councillors asked what impact the move could have on the heart of Ben Rhydding.

Councillor Gordon Perry said: “I’m aware of local views in Ben Rhydding village where they say its not a good move. It will have a very serious detrimental impact on local shops like the butchers, the bakers and the cafe, as many people come to the post office then visit these facilities.”

Councillor Mike Gibbons added: “I actually think a shift away from central Ben Rhydding and down there is a wrong move,”

However, others said they felt the central Ben Rhydding office is likely to close anyway, and pointed at longer opening hours, fewer parking problems, a more accessible shop, and other benefits that will come from moving to Valley Drive.

What do you think? Comment below or email a letter to catherine.turnbull@gazetteandobserver.co.uk