A RELOCATED Post Office could be placed at the back of WHSmith in High Street, a consultation document revealed today.

Residents are being asked for their views on the proposed move of Andover’s Bridge Street Post Office, in a six-week consultation which is now open.

In the plan made public it also states that automatic doors would be installed at the entrance of the stationery chain, and a “dedicated open plan” Post Office branch would sit at the “rear” of the store.

On announcement of the proposal back in October, fears were raised about accessibility for elderly customers, or those with disabilities.

If the plan is given the go-ahead the branch could move as soon as May this year.

Post Office’s network and sales director Roger Gale said: “The vast majority of our 11,500 Post Offices, large and small, are successfully operated on a franchise basis with retail partners. 

“We believe this is the best approach to keeping Post Offices in main shopping locations and at the heart of communities where they play an important role in local economies.”

The Post Office says the controversial plans are part of a ‘modernisation’ of its network.

Four serving positions are earmarked for the new location, which the Post Office said is “based on current and forecast future business levels”.

Opening hours will be increased, including on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

The organisation says that a “wide range of services” would still be available, but some will be relocated, including driving licence renewal, to the Salisbury Road Post Office – 1.5miles away.

It is not known if the move will affect the Royal Mail delivery office which shares the building at 32 Bridge Street with the Post Office.

What will happen to the current Bridge Street site is also not discussed in the document.

Customers will be given the opportunity to hear more about the proposed new location in the coming weeks as a forum will be held.

Details will be displayed in the Post Office.

To have your say on the proposal by February 20, go to postofficeviews.co.uk/consultation_finder and search Andover.

Royal Mail and Post Office have been contacted for comment.