PETERSFIELD post office in The Square is set to close, downsize and reopen in an empty former betting shop in Chapel Street.

Despite an ongoing public consultation regarding the ‘proposed’ move, a Postmaster has been hired to run the new, smaller, post office.

Post Office network provision manager Jason Collins said: “We are pleased to say a new Postmaster has been appointed.

“The proposed new premises will undergo a refurbishment to incorporate a convenience store and post office.”

The move is going ahead because the lease on the post office building in The Square runs out on November 20. The Post Office claims the move will also happen in November

But the proposal has angered residents who claim the smaller premises in a ‘dedicated ‘ area of the convenience store, is ill thought out, potentially dangerous, and could even by a flashpoint.

Queues often form outside the current post office, mainly on pension day, and there are fears queues on the narrow Chapel Street pavement could force pedestrians into the road, potentially leading to heated exchanges.

Protesters also say the new post office with just two counters will be to small, there is no parking outside it as there is at the current one, and there is a convenience store virtually next door.,

One protester said: “It’s a dreadful option. There is nowhere for anybody to park near by, no disabled parking.

“Narrow pavement for people queueing for people, children, buggies, disabled scooters to pass – it’s the most inaccessible place for a post office.”

The consultation closes on October 25 and to take part visit the website at postofficeviews.co.uk and find the consultation either by branch name, postcode or the unique branch code 015937.

Or email your views to [email protected] or contact the consultation team on 03452 66 01 15 or text them at 03457 22 33 55.