CAMPAIGNERS against the closure of Durham’s Crown Post Office are gearing up for a fight after plans to move it took a step forward.

A consultation was launched this week into moving services from Durham’s Post Office in Silver Street to the WHSmith store in Market Place.

Plans to franchise the Durham branch, one of 42 offices under threat across the country, were announced in January and a six-week public consultation on a proposed move in October is underway.

The Post Office says the new location will improve opening hours, with services available for longer on Saturdays and on Sundays.

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are backing a campaign to keep services at the Crown office.

Dr Blackman-Woods said: “The Durham Crown Post Office is always exceptionally busy, accessible and the heart of the community. Whilst the Post Office have argued that a move will lead to longer opening hours, I have very serious concerns about what the move will mean for the jobs and pensions of the current employees and what this will mean for the wider community.”

The Durham branch underwent significant refurbishment in 2014 to improve facilities and security, which included introducing self-service kiosks.

Roger Gale, general manager of the Post Office Crown Network, said: “We are committed to keeping our services on the high street which we know is hugely important to people. This proposal means we can continue to do that, into the future.”

He added that WHSmith were already successfully operating about 100 Post Office branches.

The service would be located on the bottom floor of WHSmith, which can be accessed by lift, and would have four serving positions.

Most of the services will be available but customers will no longer be able to access the digital application service for the Home Office.

The CWU, which represents the 11 members of staff at the Durham branch, said the moved would lead to an inferior service.

Territorial Representative David Bowmaker said: “We also know from experience that the quality of service does reduce when a Crown Office is replaced with a franchise model.

“There are hundreds of people who come to this office every day and we just don’t think the same service could be matched by a few windows in the back of another shop.”

Dr Blackman-Woods, who is planning to hold a public meeting, added: “I know from the many letters and emails I have received how important the Durham Crown Post Office is to many people.”

People should respond to the consultation by July 6 by visiting postofficeviews.co.uk, emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk, phoning 03457223344 or by freepost.

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