STAFF at Bromsgrove’s High Street post office in Bromsgrove have been told their branch is likely to move to the WHSmith 270 metres up the road.

The Post Office has proposed the new location, which will have extended opening hours as well as five serving positions and a mixture of one screened and four open-plan counters.

It would be open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and the Post Office say it will have the same wide range of services.

Sue Trehearne, of the Communication Workers Union, has protested the closure since it was announced in January.

She said: “It's been a long time since the original announcement on January 19 and the colleagues are relieved to now know for certain what the future will hold. 

"They have some difficult decisions to make regarding their future and I'm sure the next few months will be difficult for some. Saying that their main priority is to still offer excellent customer service.

"I feel it's a sad day for Bromsgrove... the residents will lose a fantastic office with many years service from dedicated well trained staff.

The Post Office has guaranteed there will be no compulsive redundancies and staff have been offered the choice to transfer to WHSmith.

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

“Our customers will be offered the same range of services, with the longer opening hours on Saturdays.”

The Post Office has proposed the move take place in September, but this is subject to a six-week public consultation, which starts today (Wednesday, July 28).

Residents are encouraged to email their views to comments@postoffice.co.uk or via postofficeviews.co.uk before the consultation period ends on September 14.

Views can also be submitted over the phone by calling 03457 22 33 44.