A POST office mistress who has dedicated more than three decades to packaging and posting letters could step down amid plans to shut the post office near Bicester.

Shirley Johnson, 68, has headed up the Launton Post Office since her father the late Edward Cammon built it in the early 1980s.

For 33 years since Mrs Johnson has been the face of Launton's posting service, watched the world of posting change over several years and made a whole load of friends along the way.

But in a national modernisation, the Post Office is proposing a major overhaul of its offices and has proposed the current Launton service from Sherwood Close move to Costcutter in Bicester Road.

Mrs Johnson said: "My father built this shop 33 years ago in the garden of his property.

"I had a young son about two years old and the post office position became available, I thought that sounds good.

"I worked in Station Road as post mistress for about three years before my father decided to build this shop for me to move into."

The postmistress added: "I am quite happy to retire, the move to the other shop has come at the right time.

"I am 69 years old this year and although it has been amazing, the time is right."

Mrs Johnson said over the years she had seen a host of changes in the shop and service including the introduction of computers and the more recent boost online shopping sites such as Ebay have given post offices.

The proposed move would move the service to the local convenience store in Launton, Bicester, and The Post Office Network said the move would mean an extra 42 hours of service a week.

There are no plans for what will replace the current site yet.

Plans are subject to a six-week consultation before a decision is expected to be made on April 12.

Mrs Johnson said: "I have really enjoyed serving people and giving a good service with the help of some amazing staff. I couldn't have done it without them.

"My parents Edward and Helen Cammon also helped me out whilst they were still very active until about ten years ago.

"It has been really successful and I think that it because of the service we give but also because our visitors become friends and that is why they are loyal to us.

"It is a big part of Launton and that's why I am pleased the village will still retain a post office in the plans."

The new post office will be open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 8pm on Saturday and 8am to 2pm on Sunday. This is earlier and later than the current opening times and cuts out lunchtime closing.

For more details see postofficeviews.co.uk and use branch code 143137 or contact 03457223344