The Bronte Society has stepped in to help to save Haworth’s historic Post Office.

The society wrote a Facebook post to their loyal Bronte following, encouraging them to sign a petition for Post Office Ltd to review its plans.

It states:

”Many of our followers will be aware that our local post office, located at the top of Haworth's historic Main Street, is under threat of closure.

As well as being of huge importance to our neighbours at this end of the village, the Bronte Society and Bronte Parsonage Museum use this branch on a daily basis to post out parcels from our online shop and send out mail to our members across the world. 

We also know our visitors use it to send postcards and souvenirs. This service matters to us, and if it matters to you, we ask that you sign this petition urging Post Office Ltd to review its plans. Thank you.”

The suggested move of the branch has caused controversy amongst the villagers and tourists as Post Office Ltd is proposing to shut the Main Street premises and open a facility within the new Co-op store, in Station Road.

The petition states that ‘the Co-op is at least a 15-minute walk away, down a very steep hill, which will make access very difficult for people who live around the top of Haworth. In ice and snow, it will be practically impossible to access safely on foot.’

Opponents of the move say it would hit many residents and businesses who use the current branch and would struggle to reach the Co-op, as well as the thousands of tourists who visit the village every year.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore, whose constituency includes Haworth met with the Save Haworth Post Office campaign group committee ahead of a protest it held in the village.

He said: “It is great that a campaign group of passionate local residents has been formed to raise awareness of this huge potential loss to our historic village.

“Moving the post office away from the centre of the village down an extremely steep hill makes no sense whatsoever.

As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, we need to make our villages and their amenities more accessible to residents and tourists – not create barriers.”

“It is vital now that as many people as possible respond to the consultation to make their feelings known that this decision is not supported by the community.”

Post Office Ltd says the relocation is proposed for next month.

A spokesperson said: “The current branch has been run on our behalf by a temporary operator and we have been looking for a more sustainable solution for customers. If the move goes ahead, opening hours would be Monday-Sunday, 7 am to 10 pm.”

More than 2,000 people have signed the online petition, with the number increasing all the time.