THE Post Office in Haslingden will close its doors for the last time next month before it moves into a retail store further down the road.

The company said the relocation to the Nisa store is part of its ‘modernisation and investment’ plans for the network, but has been called ‘disappointing’ by Haslingden MP Graham Jones.

The move is part of major reorganisation across the Post Office network, taking franchises out of Government control.

The branch, at 14 Deardengate, will close on June 24, and reopen within the Nisa premises at 48-50 on the same street the following day.

Bosses said they asked the branch’s subpostmaster if they would like to retain their role at the new base, but the offer was not taken up and the position was filled by the company.

The company said it held a six-week public consultation before making the decision to move locations.

Adrian Wales, regional network manager for the Post Office, said consultation feedback was mainly in support of the move.

He said: “Customers welcomed better parking facilities, more modern premises and longer opening times that would be available at the proposed new branch.”

Mr Jones said: “It is disappointing that changes are being made to Post Office services in Haslingden. The Post Office is a retail anchor.

“Customers changing the way they use the Post Office, and reducing their use of its services, plus changes in how government services are provided, have hit the Post Office model.

“Online services, such as TV and road tax licenses, and scrapping other services, and the growth in email and telephone services rather than sending letters have also hit the Post Office.

“If it wasn't for eBay and online selling, I’m sure a lot more Post Offices would close. It is all rather sad.”

Nobody from Nisa was available to comment yesterday.