A CONSULTATION to close the Post Office in Alvechurch and downsize the site into a convenience store has been given the stamp of approval by villagers.

Residents voted in favour of a smaller ‘local’ service which will open an extra 57 hours and 30 minutes a week compared to the existing Bear Hill store.

The new Post Office will open from 7am to 9m Monday to Sunday inside a planned SimplyFresh convenience store, although a date for relocation is yet to be confirmed.

Post Office regional manager Suzanne Richardson said: “We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.

“We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office.”

Although a relocation date is yet to be confirmed, SimplyFresh said they aim to open later this year once planning approval for works has been granted.

A spokesman from SimplyFresh said: “SimplyFresh are waiting for planning consent for the extension for the store to move across.

“Once this has all been approved we will be looking at retaining existing staff who wish to carry on.

“SimplyFresh has as strong ethos around recruiting from within the community.”