RESIDENTS of Hatherleigh are being urged to engage with a public consultation on the future of the town post office after it was proposed to move it up the road.

The consultation has been triggered by Post Office HQ proposing to move the branch from its current home in Market Street to Bridge Street, about 100 yards away. The move would help modernise the branch and offer longer opening hours including Sunday mornings.

However, some residents have expressed concerns about issues such as parking. The current branch on Market Street has parking spaces directly outside, whereas the new post office would not should it make the move.

Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, said: ’Post offices are hugely important to rural communities and I know the branch in Hatherleigh is not only essential for residents in the town but also for residents in surrounding villages like Meeth and Monkokehampton.

’There’s no prospect of the post office disappearing, but its future location, access and opening hours are being consulted on and I urge local residents to have their say in its future.’

Devon county councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford Cllr James McInnes said: ’I am eager residents views are heard loud and clear by the Post Office and agree that the best way to do this is to get involved with the consultation.’

The consultation closes on February 18.

Residents can give their views by telephoning 03457 223344, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting www.postofficeviews.co.uk and entering the branch code 38651999.