A NEWSAGENT in Minehead has been unveiled as the proposed new home of a post office in the town.

Post Office Ltd this week unveiled plans to move its service from 69 Alcombe Road to Alcombe News, at 49 Alcombe Road.

The Post Office says the move will increase opening hours by 19 per week and make the facility available on Sundays.

It says Alcombe News would be able to create a 'modern, open-plan retail environment' for its customers.

Thea Tasker, who has run Alcombe News for 12 years, said they were asked by the Post Office if they would like to take over the duties.

She said: “A post office is very important because there are a lot of elderly people nearby and it would be difficult for them to go to Minehead.

“If no one wanted to take it on then I am not sure what would have happened.”

Post Office regional network manager Will Russell said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in the area.

“We are confident this proposal and the new modern branch will meet the needs of the community and secure services for the future.

“The modernisation is part of a major investment programme to convert the Post Office network to new-style branches.”

If approved, the move would see the new-look Post Office open from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday-Saturday and from 7.30am-12.30pm on Sundays.

The Post Office is inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the move in a six-week public consultation which closes on November 12.

Write to: Freepost, YOUR COMMENTS, Post Office Ltd; Email: comments@postoffice.co.uk; Call: 08457-223344 or use Textphone: 08457-223355.