WINCHCOMBE Post Office is relocating from its North Street premises into the Co-op store just across the road.

The moving date has been set for Monday June 27 at 1pm but will be without current postmaster, Ian Chapman, who is retiring.

The new facility will provide an open-plan branch with two open tills at the shop counter throughout opening hours of 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday. The move will provide post office customers with more than 68 extra opening hours a week.

Clare Downs, head of post offices and services at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “As a community retailer and based in the heart of Winchcombe, we are pleased that we will soon be welcoming members and customers to our new Post Office branch. Local residents and small business customers will be able to access a wide range of post office services during our extended opening hours. The branch will also open significantly earlier and close much later every day, making it more convenient to visit.”

Will Russell, Post Office regional manager said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents. We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

"During public consultation we received a large number of comments from customers and local representatives. Many of the comments were in support of the move, with customers welcoming the level access and longer opening hours at the proposed new branch. Other feedback commented on the availability of space inside the proposed store and the level of service that would be available."

During the transfer an alternative branch will be available in Church Road, Bishops Cleeve.