THE Post Office is planning to relocate and create a new branch in Consett to secure its services for customers for the long term.

The proposal is to move the Post Office to PhoneHub retail store at 40 Middle Street, Consett. The branch, run by the firm's new retail partner, will have extended opening hours, including Saturday afternoons.

Post Office’s head of the directly managed branch network, Steve Blampied said: “The vast majority of our 11,500 Post Offices, large and small, are successfully operated on a franchise basis with retail partners.

"We believe this is the best approach to keeping Post Offices in main shopping locations and at the heart of communities where they play an important role in local economies.”

Under the proposals, the services at the new branch would offer the same services as the current branch with the exception of a cash machine.

Services will include everyday banking for the UK’s high street banks, online shopping returns and collections and foreign exchange. The Post Office would be in a dedicated area within the newly refurbished convenience store, with four serving positions.

Mr Blampied added: “We believe our proposal is the most effective way to secure the long-term viability of Post Office services for years to come.”

A public consultation on the proposals has now started and will run until September 11, with the new branch expected to open in November. Views and comments can be provided on www.postofficeviews.co.uk or email comments@postoffice.co.uk.