CHIPPING Norton post office could move to a new location.

The Post Office is consulting residents on plans to close the post office building on High Street, and move its services inside the Co-op, also on High Street, where they would be open much longer hours.

Three modern counters would be included, two of which would be open-plan and one screened off. Opening hours would be Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm.

There would also a post office point at the Co-op till during shop opening hours – from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

In total, services would be available for 44 hours more than is the case now.

Town councillor Don Davidson said the hours would be a good thing, but added: “My only concern is that it might mean another empty shop."

Asked if it would make a difference for residents not having a dedicated post office shop, Mr Davidson said: “Twenty years ago it would have mattered but these days with the advent of technologies the idea of a Post Office is almost outdated.”

The Post Office said: “The government committed £2bn to make sure there is no programme closures.”

Comment by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk, or calling 08457 223344.