'This decision is incomprehensible': Residents' fears over proposed changes to Shropshire town’s only Post Office

However, a sign put up at the shop last week has sparked concern among residents, with AF Blakemore & Son Ltd, which owns the Spar shop, announcing changes to the service.

The firm said a “new style” Post Office would see the counter closed and Post Office transactions moved to the store’s retail counter.

The changes are set to come into effect on November 24 and while the firm says “most products and services” will still be available, Councillor Caroline Bagnall, who represents the town at Shropshire Council, said the move has concerned a number of residents.

She said: “They're proposing that the Post Office counter as it is at the moment will be closed. It will then be transferred to the front of the shop where there will be a 'slightly reduced service'.

“People are very worried about it and we were assured that when the Post Office moved from the building across the street into the Spar that there would be no change and the service would be protected. It is looking as if it will be less of a service. 

“People are very concerned because there won't be the same level of security and privacy for people and they don't want to queue up with people doing their shopping to do their banking.”

Several people in the town have begun raising petitions to get AF Blakemore & Son to reverse the decision.

One resident, who asked not to be named, told the Shropshire Star: "This decision by Blakemore's is incomprehensible, as many people initially enter to use the Post Office counter and then spot something they need to buy in the Spar.

"The High Street, like many others, is struggling to keep afloat and this is yet another nail in the coffin."

AF Blakemore & Son has been approached for comment.