A COMMUNITY'S Post Office could be on the move – if residents give the scheme the thumbs-up.

The Post Office is proposing moving its East Linton branch to The Mart, off the town’s Station Road.

The new site, which is about 500 metres from its current location on High Street, would see the Post Office open as a local-style branch.

Post Office local is a new concept for delivering Post Office services and the new East Linton branch would offer Post Office products and services throughout shop opening hours from an open-plan till at the shop counter.

The Post Office looks to be on the move following the resignation of the postmaster at the end of last month.

Currently a reduced service is in place from 9am to 1pm on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

However, the High Street branch is due to close at the end of the month.

Now customers and interested parties are being given the chance to offer their thoughts on the move in a six-week public consultation.

Should the move go-ahead, the branch would open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Sunday, with more than 59 hours of Post Office service every week.

The proposed move would make it easier for customers to do business through longer opening hours and modern, open-plan environments.

Kenny Lamont, Post Office area manager, said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”

Judith Priest, chairwoman of Dunpender Community Council, was hopeful the move would get the green light.

She said: "The Mart does seem a good choice for the Post Office and probably the only place.

"The Co-op has not got the room and none of the other shops have got room for it that I can think of."

The consultation closes on April 26 and members of the public can give their views by calling 03457 22 33 44.