TURNING part of a pub into a post office is a continuing story of bureaucracy and red tape claims Ann Curnock, of the Blue Bell at Callow End, near Malvern.

Negotiations began early this year, but it is likely to be January 2003 before the post office finally opens its doors.

"We would like to have it open in time for Christmas, so that Callow End pensioners could get their Christmas bonuses here, but it doesn't look as though it's going to happen," said Mrs Curnock.

"We are about two-thirds of the way down the road. We've got planning approval for alterations to the building and a sub-postmaster has been appointed, subject to the approval of the brewery.

"The Wolverhampton and Dudley brewery gave us encouragement in the initial stages, but we still need a formal agreement, which could take another 21 days.

"The next step will be to apply for funding, because it's going to be very expensive to convert the building and install officially approved fittings, probably about £8,000.

"We hope to get a Government grant via the Post Office."

The saga of the post office in the pub began after Callow End sub-postmistress Joan Richardson decided to retire.

At first, it was thought the post office would transfer to the Pound Stores, but when this fell through district Coun Tom Wells began the quest for an alternative site.

He was delighted when licensee Bill Rice and his business partner, Mrs Curnock, agreed to convert the unused room at the side of the Blue Bell.

"Since then it has been a morass of application forms and processes. You have to have a really steely determination to see this through," said Coun Wells.

Mrs Curnock, who lives on the premises with her husband and two sons, said there had been so many obstacles to overcome she had been ready to give up at one stage, such as when health and safety regulations complicated plans to use a garage for mail sorting.

"Every time we think we have it sorted, there is something else we have to do. I wouldn't have carried on without Tom's encouragement," she said.

The room to be used as a post office has a separate entrance, but this has to be adapted, both inside and out, to make it accessible for the disabled.

An internal doorway has to be widened, a fireplace removed and a secure window and fire doors fitted.

"We're going to use local people to do all the work, but we can't do anything until the grant is approved," said Mrs Curnock.