A VILLAGE post office could be moved to new premises where it would be given an open plan format and longer opening.

The proposed new location for the branch at West Rainton is Costcutter, Fair View, West Rainton, 500 metres from its current site in North Street.

The Post Office is inviting residents to comment on the move during a six-week public consultation.

The new-style branch would open from 7am to 8.30pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 7am to 8pm on Sundays, giving an extra 53 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office services every week.

The proposed move is part of major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.

Suzanne Richardson, Post Office Regional Manager, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in West Rainton and we are confident that this new modern branch will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

“The modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and makes a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

The consultation will close on November 4. Submissions can be made by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via e-mail to comments@postoffice.co.uk, and via the Customer Helpline 08457 22 33 44, or Textphone 08457 22 33 55.

Views can be given through an online questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk – branch code 227313