POST office services in Brimscombe could soon move into a shop just three doors away from the current branch.

After months of uncertainty, officials are consulting on plans to trial a new ‘Post Office local’ facility in Brimscombe Newsagent for 12 months from June.

They claim the move would provide a more stable, sustainable and potentially permanent solution, instead of the current temporary service.

Shop owner Ganesan Sivanesan said: "My customers were asking me to move the post office into my shop because it would be more convenient for them.

"It is an extra facility so it would make more customers come into my shop and we could introduce other products, like envelopes and accessories."

Brimscombe Post Office, located in Gordon Terrace off London Road, closed on Christmas Eve because the previous temporary sub-postmaster resigned.

Roger Entwistle, who runs the branch in Chalford Community Stores, stepped in as temporary sub-postmaster on January 28 will be kept on until the move.

Under the plans, an open plan counter would be installed alongside the current till and the Mr Sivanesan would employ two extra staff to help operate the facility.

Customers could benefit from a range of major services, including postage and postal orders, automated banking, bill and budget payment schemes and, card accounts.

The post office would also be open for longer, providing services during the shop’s trading hours.

Mr Sivanesan said shop, at 1,000 square feet, could accommodate the facility But Entwistle said:"I don’t think there would be enough room. It is an extremely busy post office and you would probably have people waiting a long time to be served."

District councillor Martin Whiteside (Green, Thrupp) said it was not so important where the post office was based, as long as the major services were provided permanently in Brimscombe.

Consultation documents are available from the current branch.

The deadline for feedback is Thursday, April 29.

* Officials are also consulting on plans to move Cainscross Post Office in Westward Road into the nearby Midcounties Co-op. The consultation deadline is Thursday, April 8.