THE Government's Post Office network will forge ahead with plans to re-locate its Earby branch to new and modernised premises.

In a letter to Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, Adrian Wales, regional network manager, confirmed the Post Office would proceed with a proposal to move its Colne Road branch to Wineline, on Victoria Road.

"The move of this branch is part of our modernisation and investment plans for the Post Office network," said Mr Wales. "As part of the programme we asked our postmasters whether they wished to stay with the network. With the wish of the existing postmaster to leave the network, it was important to find a new and sustainable location for the post office in the local community."

A number of factors were taken into account including the location, access, size of the premises and suitability of the operator.

Mr Wales said: "We recognise that the post office plays an important part in the lives of customers, particularly to elderly and disabled customers, and we want to make our services as accessible as possible.

"The new branch will be built in line with Post Office specifications, making sure there is sufficient space for the new-style local post office to operate alongside the retail offer.

"We fully appreciate how much customers value their local post office and the access it provides to a wide range of services.

"I can confirm the majority of Post Office products and services will continue to be available and the very small number of services that will not be offered will continue to be available at Colne Post Office."

Although the Post Office network has yet to confirm whether a cash machine will be available outside the new branch, Earby residents will be able to benefit from extended opening hours - 9am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 9pm on Sundays.

Mr Wales added: "I am confident that the new branch is suitably located and that this new way of offering post office services will meet customer needs, whilst helping to provide long term viability and future sustainability for the branch."

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, who sat on the Postal Service Bill Committee, supports the Post Office's modernisation drive, which aims to maintain a branch network of at least 11,500 offices.

“Between 1997 and 2010 Pendle lost 17 post offices and 5,000 were lost across the country," said Mr Stephenson. “I, like many people in Pendle, value the local post offices very highly. They provide vital services to local communities and I will continue to do all I can to make sure they have all the financial and organisational support they need to deliver these services effectively."

The current Earby branch will close at 5.30pm on Monday, March 2, with the new branch opening, at Wineline at 1pm on Tuesday, March 3.