Residents of Chippenham will be shocked to hear of plans to close the main Post Office in Chippenham's Market Place.

Apparently the Post Office will be closing in January and re-opening as a Convenience Store with some post office counters. Staff will need to re-apply for their jobs.

The Post Office claims there will be no loss of service but how can this be? This morning there were five counters open and a queue of 15 people. This in a very busy Post Office. How can this service be maintained as part of a Convenience Store?

There is a public consultation period between now and August 5. We need to let the Post Office know what we think for example by signing a petition or writing to Post Office National Consultation Team PO Box 2060 WATFORD WD18 8ZW, copy to FREEPOST Postwatch. Postwatch are a consumer organisation on the side of the customer.

If you would like to help with a petition against these proposals please contact FREEPOST SCE 11727 Chippenham SN15 1U2, or phone 01249 652602.

Paul Fox,

Chippenham.