NORTON councillors have backed proposals to relocate the town's post office.

The Post Office is proposing to move the Beverley Road branch to create a post office local at Costcutter in Commercial Street.

Post Office local is a new concept for delivering services and the new branch would provide an open plan service point integrated into the retail counter, instead of from a screened counter.

Should the move go ahead, the branch would open from 8am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 8pm on Sunday. This would be 43 hours a week more than are currently offered.

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.

Councillor Hugh Spencer said: "It sounds like a good idea to me and I can't think there will be any objections."

Mayor Cllr Ray King, said: "From a business point of view it is a good idea and will increase the footfall in Commercial Street.

"The opening hours will also be better regulated."

Cllr Antony Croser said the Post Office seemed to have addressed every issue including disabled access.

"The longer hours will be a big plus," he added.

Suzanne Richardson, Post Office regional manager, said: “We understand how important having a post office is to residents in Norton and we are confident that this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future. This modernisation is part of a major investment programme.”

The consultation will close on May 9.

Submissions to: Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline on 03457 22 33 44 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55. Customers can share views online, visiting postoffice views.co.uk (branch code 190337).