Post Office bosses are planning to shut down the Becontree Avenue branch and operate postal services from a wine store next door.

There has not yet been any indication on possible job losses if the changes go ahead.

The branch is among thousands across the country being put forward for the Post Office Local scheme, which will see stores close and traditional postal services offered from newsagents and other retail outlets, in a bid to save costs.

Around 95 per cent of services currently on offer at the store would remain at its new proposed base, Bodson Wine Store.

As services would be available throughout the store’s operating hours, the move would ensure “significantly extended” opportunities for postal transactions, the Post Office said in a statement.

It went on: “Staff at the new store would be given training to provide the products and services.”

Recorded and special deliveries, international mailing, postal orders and bill payments, among many other frequently used services would remain.

International parcels, online Lottery, Premium Savings Bonds, transcash transactions and payments by cheque would no longer be available and customers would be redirected to larger Post Offices.

The existing Post Office is run by a subpostmaster in a system that would remain in the new store.

But as the programme is voluntary, subpostmasters will now have a say on whether their facility remains the same or changes to either a local or main Post Office. Voluntary redundancy options may also be on offer.

Around 6,000 branches - about half the Post Office network – are set to convert to new-style branches.

Post Office regional network manager for south and east England, Mark Lawrence, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Dagenham and we are confident that this new modern branch will make it easier for our customers to do business with us and also secure services for the future.”

A public consultation on the changes will now place, running until February 26.

Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the customer helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or textphone 08457 22 33 55.