POST Office chiefs have announced plans to close Chester-le-Street’s main branch and relocate services in the town, despite objections from campaigners.

The Post Office has begun a six-week consultation over the move from Front Street to 13 North Burns, where postal services will be operated by Northern Retail CLS Ltd in association with Nisa Retail Ltd.

The art deco Crown Post Office, in Front Street, is one of just a handful in Britain to feature the Royal Emblem of King Edward VIII, as it was opened during the short time he spent on the throne before abdicating in 1936.

Concerns have been raised previously about the loss of experienced staff and the size of the new premises.

Communication Workers Union (CWU) North-East area representative, Nancy Callaghan, said: “Clearly the employees are not happy about the proposed move.

“They wish the office to remain where it is. Some of them have worked from that same branch for a number of years and have regular customers they serve on an almost daily basis.”

Roger Gale, Crown Network general manager, said: “We are committed to keeping a Post Office branch in the area and to maintaining the same levels of service for our customers.

“We believe the best way for us to do this is to change the way we operate the branch, so if the move goes ahead it will be run by Northern Retail CLS Ltd, rather than by us directly.”

The modernised Chester-le-Street Post Office would have five serving positions, offering same range of products and services as are offered at the current branch, with the exception of the Post & Go machine – and will have longer opening hours.

The company says there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of the proposed move and that it will work to ensure the needs of branch colleagues are met if the move goes ahead, whether that is a transfer to the new employer or redeployment in the Post Office.

The building is owned by Royal Mail - and its delivery office will not be affected.

A final decision will be taken following the closure of consultation on November 26.

Submissions can be made through the online questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk, by FREEPOST Your Comments to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline on 08457-223-344 or Textphone 08457-223-355.