A POPULAR Post Office is set to close and merge services with a local newsagents.

The branch in Whitmore Way, Basildon, will close its doors for good on Friday, June 5.

The following day a Post Office serving point will open inside McColls, on the same street.

During a public consultation on the plans, customers handed in a petition following concerns about the size of the newsagents, security issues and privacy.

Post Office bosses claim the new branch will bring improvements as customers will be able to access services between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday and 8am until 5pm on Sundays – an extra 35 hours per week.

Julia Marwood, regional manager, said: “Our current branch has been operated on our behalf by a temporary agent. This arrangement has enabled us to maintain continued access to Post Office services, but what we want for our customers is a permanent long-term sustainable solution.

We are confident this move will provide that in the area.

A range of services including banking, travel insurance, mobile phone top-ups and banking will be available.

Dave Thomas, chief operating officer for McColl’s said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers to our newly refurbished Whitmore Way Post Office, which will offer a wide range of Post Office services alongside our extensive retail offer.”