POST Office staff have sought to reassure customers as part of its consultation on relocating services in Durham.

The Post Office wants to move services from its office in Silver Street to the WHSmith store in the Market Place.

The move will improve opening hours but opponents to the scheme are worried about losing the Silver Street building, wheelchair access, privacy, space and having a full range of services.

Staff attended a forum this week to address concerns. Public affairs manager Mark Gibson said: “There have been a lot of questions. People do want the Post Office to stay and have genuine concerns.”

He added that more space would be available in WHSmith and services would be available by lift. All services, excluding Home Office digital applications, will be available.

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, who attended the forum, said she would continue to campaign to oppose the plans.

She said: “I know from the many letters and emails I have received how important the Durham Crown Post Office is to many people and I will stand firm on my commitment to stand up against these proposals.”

Mr Gibson added that the Post Office did not own the Silver Street building so would have no control over what happens to it in the future.

Public consultation on the proposals runs until 6 July 2016 and customers can take part by phone, on-line or by post.