A six week consultation has begun over the Post Office's plans relocate Long Rock Post Office to Long Rock Stores.

The relocated service would open as a modern local branch with Post Office services provided from a low-screened counter alongside the retail till. Opening hours would be Monday to Friday, 7am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 7pm - offering an extra 30 hours of Post Office services.

The relocation would be part of a major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments. There would also be improved accessibility as the current branch has a step at the entrance.

Suzanne Richardson, regional network manager, said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents. We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs. This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future.”

The Post Office is now inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the move in the six-week public consultation. During the public consultation, Post Office Ltd welcomes feedback on any issues customers would like considered before a final decision is taken on this proposal.

The consultation will close on March 3. Submissions can be made through the post to Freepost Your Comments, Post Office Ltd; via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk; or via the customer helpline on 03457 22 33 44 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55. Customers can also share their views online through the quick and easy questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 363555.