A TOWN’S Post Office is set to close and be moved inside the premises of a high street retailer.

The company has announced the decision to close the office at The Boulevard in Crawley town centre after a public consultation.

Bosses say it will offer longer opening hours and a modern open-plan branch when the service is switched into the nearby WH Smith.

But Crawley Borough Council leader Peter Lamb (Labour) has raised his voice along with customers who are unhappy with the proposal.

Previously he said the scheme was "bad, bad, bad" and wrote to the Post Office Chief Executive over the plans.

Post Office network and sales director Roger Gale said it will mean the branch remains commercially viable.

He said:“We are committed to keeping our services at the heart of communities which we know is hugely important to people.

“This change means we can continue to do that, into the future. We are making sure we take the right action to sustain services for years to come.”

The new branch will open on March 28 from 9am, with services available from 9am to 5.30pm on Monday to Saturdays, and from 11am to 3pm on Sundays.

It will include five serving booths and four self-service kiosks.

The cash machine will not be included, but usual bank account services will be available for depositing and withdrawing cash.

Mr Gale added that the current branch in The Boulevard will remain open until 5.30pm on Wednesday, March 28.

Visit: postoffice.co.uk