York post office which Home Guard veteran campaigned to save will become Miller & Carter steakhouse

The city's main Post Office on Lendal closed in 2019 after being operational for 135 years - despite more than 3,000 people signing a petition to keep the branch open.

One of those who campaigned to save it was 95-year-old World War Two veteran Harold Wood, who guarded the building when he served with the Home Guard during the bombing of York in the Baedaker air raids.

Yet the Post Office pressed ahead with their closure decision and relocated services to a nearby branch of W H Smith. The building had been one of the last surviving Victorian postal service offices still used for its original purpose.

Steakhouse chain Miller & Carter have submitted a planning application to convert the site into a restaurant and it was approved by City of York Council this week.

Planning officers have insisted that the historic carved Post Office sign on the outside of the building and memorial plaques dedicated to postal workers who died in the world wars inside the main entrance are to remain in place.

The planners' recommendation read: ”It is considered that the proposals will respect the special historic and architectural interest of the building and the character and appearance of the conservation area and would not erode the amenity of the occupants of nearby properties to an unacceptable degree.”

Miller & Carter have since submitted fresh plans for external signage.

An opening date for the restaurant has not been given.