A NORTH Yorkshire sub-postmistress has reluctantly shut up shop after the Ryedale community failed to support her venture despite the warning - use it or lose it.

After taking over Bulmer Village Stores at Bulmer, near Malton, in January, Pam Mallinson transformed the business in an effort to provide even more goods and services for local people.

While still providing a sub-post office and an off licence, Ms Mallinson broadened the range of foods and wines in the shop and bought a serve-over counter so she could sell local cheeses, meats and produce.

She opened a tea room serving refreshments and light meals, which could also be taken in the garden and summer house. Yorkshire artists and craftsmen were also invited to sell their work from the crafts barn.

The former social worker and probation officer, who has worked in various prisons and courts in West Yorkshire, said: "I was looking for something different. I've always loved the country and I wanted somewhere quiet - I certainly got quiet."

Ms Mallinson warned locals they must use the shop or lose it, but still the community did not support it and she made the difficult decision to close.

"The people that I call the 'Bulmerites', the residents that have been in Bulmer a long time, they are lovely, and they supported the shop," said Ms Mallinson, 57.

"But so many others didn't. It's hard for me. I just wonder where I went wrong. I'm really sad that I'm letting the villagers of Bulmer down and I feel bad about that."

"I did not buy this shop to make money. I bought this shop for a new lifestyle. I wanted a new lifestyle in a country store, but I'm not a charity."

Ms Mallinson feels Castle Howard Estate, which owns the building, did not do enough to support her.

Agent for Castle Howard Estate, Duncan Peake, said: "Under the terms of the lease we agreed that the rent should be very concessionary because the estate is keen to support local shops and local services."

North Yorkshire has lost ten sub-post offices in the past year.

In January a spate of violent crimes against sub-post office staff in Ryedale led to three sub-post offices - Nawton, near Helmsley, Hovingham, near Malton, and Brandsby, near Malton - shutting through fear.

Other sub-post offices that have closed in the past year, some through lack of trade, include: Cropton, near Pickering, in September; Ampleforth College, near Helmsley, in August; Osbaldwick, York, in July; Leavening, near Malton, in April; Gerard Avenue, Burnholme, York, in July; and Brayton Road, Selby, in July.

Updated: 12:13 Thursday, November 13, 2003