A PUBLIC consultation on a proposal to move Cirencester Post Office to within WHSmith’s store on Castle Street was opened today.

The new branch, around 50 metres from the current one, would allow for extended opening hours for customers and would offer the same wide range of services available seven days a week.

During the public consultation, which ends on March 1, the Post Office welcomes feedback on factors such as the location, the proposed premises, accessibility or community issues that customers would like considered before a final decision is made on the proposal.

It is proposed the branch would move in May.

Roger Gale, general manager of the Post Office Crown Network, said: “WHSmith already operates around 100 Post Office branches from their stores in the UK and we’ve been successfully working with them for nearly ten years.

"They have a proven record of running Post Offices with consistently high levels of customer service.”

Mr Gale added that the proposal for Cirencester Post Office branch would help secure long-term viability of services for local customers.

“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."

Subject to consultation, the new Cirencester Post Office branch will have four serving positions, with opening hours of 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

Existing staff at the current branch have the right to transfer their employment to WHSmith if they wish to do so, in line with TUPE legislation.

All options will be discussed with them individually so they can make informed decisions about their future and are supported in those decisions.

Visit postofficeviews.co.uk to provide your views before the consultation deadline.