Residents of Helmsley have expressed their anger at the closure of the town’s Costcutter, which also offered essential Post Office services.

Without any prior warning or notice, Costcutter in the busy market town closed its doors earlier this week with no information given to the public or the staff.

Helmsley’s County Councillor, George Jabbour, said: “Since the start of this week, I have spoken with a large number of local residents, including customers and employees of Costcutter and the Post Office.

“I am extremely disappointed with the lack of communications from both the Post Office and Costcutter.

“It was on Sunday evening that members of staff received a text message saying that the shop would not open its doors to the public the following morning.

“Dedicated employees who have worked hard to serve our community for a long time have been left high and dry, facing significant financial risks at an incredibly difficult time.

“The proprietor of the business must ensure that they comply with all regulations and legal obligations and that the staff are paid all the money that they are owed immediately.

“We also need to understand why a business in a flourishing market town such as Helmsley closed in this way.

“People were going to the Post Office with their letters, only for them to realise that Costcutter had been shut. Elderly residents have been left without money as they could not collect their pensions. Businesses have been unable to deposit their cash.

“On behalf of our community, I urge the Post Office to take immediate action to resolve this issue and to meet with us to confirm their long-term commitment to Helmsley.”

Thirsk and Malton MP, Kevin Hollinrake, commented: “It would be completely unacceptable for a thriving market town like Helmsley to be left without a Post Office. Post Office managers must find a replacement service as soon as possible and find a way to provide continued services until the new service is in place.”

Vice Chair of Helmsley Town Council, Tony Porter, added: “I am appalled by the treatment that the staff and the public faced as a result of the abrupt shutdown of Costcutter and the essential Post Office services that it provided. As a businessman in Helmsley, I know that we are so lucky to have such a high footfall in our town, so it is beyond me why this shop had to close.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Helmsley Post Office has unfortunately closed with no notice, as the shop, where the branch was based, has shut. We know how important a Post Office is to the community and we are working hard to restore service to the area as soon as possible after the unplanned closure. In the interim alternative branches include Ampleforth and Kirkbymoorside. Please visit Post Office branch www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder to see the opening times and services available.”

Costcutter has also been approached for a comment.