A BOLTON Post Office has been temporarily closed after police and Benefits Agency staff launched an investigation.

Breightmet Post Office, in Bury Road, opposite the Safeways superstore, has been closed for business since Wednesday, after the investigation into alleged fraud began.

Six people have been questioned so far including the post office's sub-master, but no charges have been brought.

Last night steel shutters were still down at the busy branch office and Post Office Counters bosses had taped up a note of apology.

It stated that "unforeseen circumstances" had forced the branch's temporary closure.

The disruption means scores of elderly people had the inconvenience of travelling to other post offices in the borough to get their pensions yesterday.

Customers were faced with long treks to sub post offices in Tonge Fold, Kentmere Road or even the main post office in Deansgate.

Last night a senior Bolton detective confirmed that half-a-dozen people had been interviewed on Wednesday.

Det Sgt John Fellowes said: "There is an inquiry going on regarding Breightmet Post Office.

"People have been interviewed and at this stage have been released without charge. This investigation has been conducted by the Benefits Agency."

And last night nearby shopkeepers revealed that scores of post office customers had complained about the sudden closure. Molly Peers, who runs a neighbouring hardware store, said: "It has upset a lot of people. Everybody has been asking what's happened but nobody seems to know."

And customer Christopher Brooks, of Blenheim Road, Breightmet, said: "It's a real bind having to go somewhere else. We regularly use this place but we've got three kids to take with us everywhere and it makes things difficult."

A Post Office Counters spokesman said that a special post office investigation team had also been involved in the inquiry.

He added: "We're pulling out all the stops to have the post office re-opened on Monday but we can't guarantee that.

"Other staff will man the branch while inquiries continue. The police would not allow us to use the existing staff at this time. Our priority is to re-open as soon as possible with alternative members of staff."

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