THE POST Office is proposing the relocation of Little Paxton Post Office to the Anchor Public House in the village.

The village has been without a permanent post office since the St James’ Road service closed in December last year – former post office manager, Jed Patel, decided to move back to his business in Sawtry in order to spend more time with his family

Instead, residents have had to rely on a mobile service in the village hall car park, staffed by the sub-postmaster from Hemingford Grey.

But it has been announced that a new home could be found for the post office at the Anchor pub in the High Street.

Post Office Ltd said it would be a ‘new-style local post office’ with an open plan counter that would offer a wide range of products and services as well as longer opening hours.

A six-week public consultation regarding the proposal has started and will end on September 19.

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

Landlady at the Anchor, Susan Merritt, said: “To lose a post office is a big blow – it’s a big village and there are a lot of elderly people in the village that don’t drive.

“As well as providing a community service, which is the most important thing, hopefully we will get a bit of extra trade from doing it.

“The people I have spoken to and my customers think it is a brilliant idea.”

INFORMATION: The opening hours at the proposed new post office would be Monday-Saturday 9am-11pm and Sunday 12noon-10.30pm.

Anyone wishing to submit their views on the plans by do so by e-mailing comments@postoffice.co.uk or calling 08457 223344.