THE views of Middlewich residents are needed to help seal the fate of the town's Post Office.

Consultation is currently open on a plan to relocate the Post Office in Lewin Street to Chisholm's Newsagents, in Wheelock Street.

Three full-time members of staff are currently employed at the site, but postmaster James Hardy told the Guardian that they are in limbo until consultation ends on February 5.

He said: "The Post Office has been on the market since the chemist left [in 2013], so this has been looming, and it hasn't come as a massive shock.

"We found out about the plan a week before the consultation opened on December 15, and we won't know for definite what is happening until that has ended.

"They have not said one way or another what will happen but as far as I am aware, the new owner won't be taking on staff from here."

If approved, the switch is expected to happen in April or May, and it would see all Post Office services be retained from the current site, apart from on-demand travel insurance and passport services.

The move would also see opening times be extended, with the Post Office opening at 7am Monday to Saturday, while it would also open on a Sunday and until 5.30pm on a Saturday.

Members of Middlewich Town Council discussed the proposed move at a meeting on Monday, and although they were pleased to see the town retain its Post Office, they were concerned about the loss of jobs.

Cllr Mike Hunter said: "It is a well used Post Office with good staff.

"I could understand if just one person used it all week, but when I go in there I am always queuing."

Cllr Bernice Walmsley added that it is 'regrettable' jobs could be lost, but welcomed the move to the town centre.

Call 03452 660115 to have your say, or visit postofficeviews.co.uk