THE Post Office is proposing to move Highworth Post Office to create an open-plan main branch, with extended opening hours for customers.

The proposed location is Budgens, in Swindon Road, Highworth, 800 metres from its present site in Sheep Street.

The move is part of a modernisation programme across the post office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, with longer opening hours and open plan offices.

The new branch would combine open-plan and screened counter positions, with post office products and services available with retail transactions.

Opening hours would be Monday to Sunday, 6am to 11pm, giving customers an extra 69 and a half hours a week to use the post office, including on Sunday afternoons and with earlier opening and later closing times.

There would also be improved accessibility at Budgens, with a wide door and level access.

The Post Office wants customers and interested parties to comment on the move in a six-week public consultation. Freepost comments to Post Office Ltd by email to comments@postoffice.

co.uk, on the customer helpline 08457 22 33 44 or textphone 08457 22 33 55.

Customers can also share their views online at postofficeviews.co.uk, with the branch code 446548.