Services to the remote spot in Arkengarthdale have been suspended after a health and safety inspection found postmen were at "unacceptable" risk of back injuries. And that has left 15 families facing a 45-minute drive down Swaledale to collect letters and parcels from the nearest delivery office in Richmond.

There was no consultation with residents – only a letter from Royal Mail giving them 24 hours notice.

Delivery office manager Colin Appleby wrote: "A health and safety risk assessment has confirmed that the level of risk associated with this delivery is unacceptable due to an unsuitable track. The condition of the track could contribute to longer-term back injury with our employee.

"Under the circumstances, mail deliveries to your address will be suspended from tomorrow and your address will be classed as one which does not receive the normal daily delivery to the door for health and safety reasons."

John Blackie, who represents the Upper Dales on the county council, said: "I think it's scandalous. If they are going to cut off deliveries to places like Booze, when is the next small rural community that I represent going to lose their post?

"I can think of a dozen communities in the Dales with access roads equal to Booze or even slightly worse who will be under threat."

Farmer's wife Hazel Harker said: "The whole hamlet is in an uproar about it. It is a council road and we have always had deliveries by the mail van."

Mrs Harker, who drives up and down the track in an ordinary car, added: "I know it's steep and I know it's narrow but there are lots of little roads like that. You just have to drive carefully.

"There have been no accidents on that hill. I know because I have lived here most of my life."

Royal Mail said concerns had been raised by delivery staff and checks confirmed they were at risk. "Affected customers were made aware of the issue and we have agreed with them to deliver their mail temporarily to an alternative address of their choice whilst arrangements are made for Royal Mail to provide, as a gesture of goodwill, roadside boxes which will become their permanent delivery point."