A CRUNCH meeting over the future of Pool-in-Wharfedale's Post Office will be held tomorrow.

Currently based in the General Store off Main Street, Post Office Ltd are considering moving the branch to a new location - with the Shell petrol station the favoured option.

The proposal has come as a shock to Paula and Gary McNeil, who run the existing set-up, and the village as a whole.

The couple, backed by residents and local politicians, are calling for the plan to be abandoned.

They have pointed out that the garage is based on an island surrounded by three busy roads, and has no pedestrian crossing anywhere near.

New road statistics have also revealed that more than 1,100 vehicles an hour pass along the A658 Main Street during its busiest periods - some travelling as fast as 50mph.

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) and Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) will put those points to Post Office officials at a meeting on Friday, November 7.

Mr McNeil said: "The petrol station, which is an option they seem to be strenuously pursuing, couldn't possibly be a realistic alternative location from a safety point of view.

"It would also mean a huge change in the services that were available to the village, because the kind of things that could be offered from there would be restricted.

"Hopefully we can get everything amicably resolved at this meeting."

Pool Parish Council is also backing the campaign to keep the post office where it is, with chairman Councillor Hazel condemning the idea of moving it to a more out of the way, "unsafe place".

Coun Anderson had requested the up-to-date traffic volume and speed figures for Main Street from Leeds City Council's Highways department, so the evidence could be presented at the meeting.

He said: "I am pleased this survey has borne out what I and the residents of Pool have known for a long time, that the main road through the village is extremely busy.

"I was surprised, however, at just how many vehicles are travelling through.

"The important thing about the information was to show the number of vehicles going past the garage, and the fact that there is no recognised crossing nearby.

"Road safety concerns must be taken into consideration by the Post Office in terms of any plans they have for relocating the village's branch."

The survey, undertaken in October, revealed that some 15,000 vehicles a day pass along Main Street, with 4pm proving the busiest time.