THE Post Office is proposing to make changes at Thorncombe Stores, near Chard, following the resignation of the postmaster.

The company is proposing a hosted outreach service, where a nearby postmaster provides a service at set times each week from the same premises.

The branch is currently open three mornings a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday but based on customer demand the proposed branch opening is Monday and Wednesday between 10am and noon.

The same range of services will continue to be available and customers can still collect benefits in cash using the everyday banking services or Post Office card account.

The Post Office is inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the move in a sixweek public consultation.

To maintain a Post Office service to customers in Thorncombe as quickly as possible, the new service may start during consultation.

But a final decision will not be taken until after the end of the consultation.

Field change adviser Matt Walls said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Thorncombe and we are confident the new hosted outreach service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.”

n The consultation will close on May 21 and submissions can be made at Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@ postoffice.co.uk, via the customer helpline on 08457 223344 or textphone 08457 223355.