A SUB postmaster has been suspended following a probe in to the running of a Penwortham Post Office.

Shafiq Patel was told to leave Cop Lane Post Office, Kingsfold, following an internal investigation by Post Office auditors.

Mr Patel took over the post office 18 months ago and is now back home in Blackburn pending the auditor's report.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: "The Cop Lane office was officially closed on Thursday morning last week following the suspension of the sub post master after an internal audit.

"I can confirm that an investigation was carried out and that he has been suspended pending further enquiries.

"We would like to apologise to people who use the office for any inconvenience that has been caused.

"A temporary post master has been found and the office is now open to the public."

The Citizen contacted Mr Patel who said: "I'm not prepared to comment on the situation at present.

"However, I may in a position to talk at a later stage once the the situation becomes clearer." Jim Patten, a councillor for Kingsfold, added: "I was extremely worried about the distance some of my elderly constituents would have to travel to draw their pension, but it seems as though the post office is now back open for business."

South Ribble MP David Borrow continued: "I was concerned to hear from various councillors in the Kingsfold area that pensioners and disabled people were unable to use the post office last week due to its closure.

"I contacted Post Office Counters and was pleased to learn temporary staff have now been brought in.

"It would not be appropriate at this time to comment on the circumstances."