A Dagenham Post Office could be set to move into a nearby convenience store, with a six-week public consultation launched today.

Porters Avenue Post Office could relocate 75m away to Nisa Local in Lodge Avenue, with an open-plan till at the shop counter, instead of a separate screened counter.

The proposed move is part of major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.

If the move go ahead, the branch will open from 6am-9pm Monday to Saturday and 7am-7pm on Sunday – an extra 56 hours of Post Office service a week.

Peter Wilkinson, regional network manager, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Dagenham and we are confident that this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

He added: “This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

Post Office local is a new concept for delivering services and the new Porters Avenue branch will offer Post Office products and services throughout shop opening hours.

The consultation will close on April 27 and residents are encouraged to have their say on the plans.

You can email your views to comments@postoffice.co.uk or call 08457 22 33 44.

What do you think of the plans?

Email mark.shales@archant.co.uk or call 020 8477 3824.