PLANS have been announced to move Bury Post Office to a different location.

The proposed move will see the service more from its current premises at 79 The Rock to a new location at 90 The Rock.

The new shop would be located just 35 metres away from the current shop which is the only remaining post office in the town.

A Post Office spokesman said: “The postmaster’s lease for the current premises at 79 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0NB is due to expire.

“Our postmaster has identified an opportunity in a property nearby and plans to move the Post Office branch into these premises.”

Post Office services will be provided from three serving positions – one full-screened and two open-plan.

The total number of serving positions has been based on current and future predicted business levels

The opening hours will remain as Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.

The same range of products and services would be available.

Access would be level with a wide door at the entrance to the proposed premises.

Low level serving counters, a low-level writing desk and hearing loops would be available.

Once a staple of British life, the number of post office branches has dwindled from about 25,000 in the mid 1960s to 11,638 in March 2020.

This decline was attributed to changes in people’s behaviour. Many people now have benefits and pensions paid directly into bank accounts rather than collecting them from their local post office, and it became possible to renew car tax online or by phone.

The Post Office is now inviting customers to give their comments on the move. The consultation will close on July 20. Customers can share their views during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 260406.