Glusburn could soon join a growing list of villages throughout Britain which have lost their post office.

Owen and Edwina Metcalfe, current owners of the post office on Crofthead Terrace, have submitted plans to convert the building into three flats.

The couple, who have asked the parish council to support their proposals, said that a lack of business has forced the move, but stressed that if the plans were given the go ahead the post office would remain open until after Christmas.

At a meeting of Glusburn Parish Council last week, Mr Metcalfe said: "It is not viable as a post office, most pensioners get their money via the post.

"The Government is encouraging people to do it. Even family credit is put directly into their wages."

Parish council chairman Cllr Gill Birks said: "It's extremely sad this loss of amenity. It is an issue for us as a parish council as to what we do with regard to a post office.

"I think the difficulty for all village shops these days is the size."

Mr Metcalfe pointed out that it would still be possible to have a part-time post office in the village. Cllr Jenny Wood suggested using part of the village institute to house the service.

The council agreed to back the scheme.