ROYAL Mail will close its Carterton delivery office and move staff to Witney in spring 2012.

There will be no compulsory redundancies and staff will be reimbursed for extra mileage incurred, the company said.

It also said customers would not be affected by the move.

Royal Mail said the closure was necessary because less people were sending letters, and trading conditions were tough.

In a statement, the company said: “The move of the Carterton operation, which delivers mail to customers in the OX18 postcode area, will provide improved working conditions, secure employment and a more cost-effective operation.

“Detailed planning for the move will take place in the coming weeks and months to ensure a smooth transition for our customers and staff in Carterton.

“The planning will also look to secure a facility in Carterton which will enable customers to continue to collect mail locally on the occasions when we have not been able to deliver first time and have left a card.

“With the introduction of this service, there will not be any detrimental effect on the level of service we offer.”