TIMES may be difficult for many rural Post Offices, but today heralds the welcome return of the service to one Yorkshire Dales town.

Following a two year wait, and much deliberation over whether it would actually happen, residents of Middleham will finally have their own Post Office once more.

The previous sub-postmaster resigned in January 2004, forcing the closure of the facility in the town's market place. Despite a replacement being sought the Post office has remained closed ever since, forcing locals in need of the service to travel to neighbouring towns.

The new facility, run by Val O'Gorman, will be based in the foyer of the Middleham Key Centre, just a short distance from the previous branch.

"We are committed to maintaining rural Post Offices, though it has taken longer than usual to replace this one," said Post Office transfer advisor Bill Earnshaw.

"I'm sure the community will be delighted that we are back in business and that they will support Val in her new venture."

The Post Office will open from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will offer a range of services, including personal banking, foreign currency exchange and benefit payments.

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