THE controversial move to relocate the town’s Post Office has taken place.

Last week the Bridge Street branch closed its doors and the service was moved to WH Smith, in High Street.

The decision was made following a public consultation and review, which sparked criticism for customers, including some who branded it ‘bad news for the town’ and others concerned about access for people with disabilities.

The Post Office has been incorporated alongside a retail offer of stationery, gifts and greetings cards.

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There are four serving positions and two self-service kiosks. Services will be available, seven days a week, from 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 2pm on Sundays, amounting to 55 hours of Post Office service a week.

Roger Gale, network and sales director, said that the change would help to ensure the branch is commercially viable into the future and therefore protect Post Office services on which customers in the area depend.

He said: “The Post Office is committed to keeping our services at the heart of communities which we know is hugely important to people. This change means we can continue to do that, into the future. We are making sure we take the right action to sustain services for years to come.”