The Post Office has announced plants to re-locate its Hemingford Grey branch, with a promise of increase opening hours as a result.

The company is proposing to move its services into Hemingford Stores, in High Street, from its existing base, also in High Street, and has launched a consultation with parishioners.

According to the Post Office, the move would see its branch in the village modernised, with services provided from an open-plan till at the shop counter instead of from a separate screened counter.

It would also boast enhanced local services including manual banking, Transcash, and Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide International parcels. Payment by cheque would still be accepted.

Services would be provided throughout shop opening hours Monday-Friday, from 7am-7.30pm; Saturday, from 8.30am-7pm; and Sunday, from 8.30am-4pm – an extra 45 hours a week.

The proposed new postmaster would, the company said, “continue to operate the van hosted outreach Post Office service”.

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

The Post Office is inviting people to share their thoughts on the proposals in a six-week public consultation.

The consultation will close on December 8. Submissions can be made during the consultation by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via e-mail to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the customer helpline on 03457 22 33 44.

Customers can also share their views online through the questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 290230.