HIGHWORTH’S Co-operative foodstore is being called on to save the post office from relocating out the town centre to a ‘death-trap’ main road.

Residents have until October 3 to submit their opinions on the proposals put forward by the Post Office, which would close the existing site in Sheep Street and open up in Swindon Road.

The proposed site is the petrol station on the main road, where a Budgens convenience store would house the post office and extend its opening hours by 69-and-a-half hours a week.

However, a number of residents have raised concerns for the safety of this proposal and the necessity of having a post office in the centre of the town for those without transport.

“We have had a very good post office in the centre of Highworth for many years now,” said Margaret Bacon, 80, of Shrivenham Road.

“They have found another place for a post office and nobody wants that particular site.

“We could possibly have it in the Co-op. It should really be in the centre of the town.

“The proposed site is very difficult to access. There are several main roads you must cross. We feel we would much rather have it in the Co-op at the moment.

“We just don’t want it on that busy road. We don’t want it imposed on us.”

The move is part of a modernisation programme across the post office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, with longer opening hours and open plan offices.

Margaret said she had received a letter from Midcounties Co-operative, which said the firm understood Post Office was contracted to Budgens in some way, but it was opening its own negotiations.

“They are calling it a consultation, but one feels it’s a fait accompli,” said Margaret, a professional writer.

“They are saying it’s all about having it at a Budgens, so people can use the post office facilities during shop hours, but who wants to use a post office at 10pm?

“It’s very dangerous out on Swindon Road. It’s a terrible road. It really is a bit of a death-trap.”

Gerry Edwards, a Highworth councillor and former mayor, said: “It’s in the wrong place, it’s not safe and there are road issues.

“To put it in a petrol station, which is on the brow of a hill on the outskirts of the town, is the completely wrong place to put it.

“They should be pursuing the option with the Co-op.”

A Post Office spokeswoman said: "Following a public consultation we would expect to reach a decision within four weeks.

“When a decision is made we will inform customers and local representatives, and issue a press release announcing any change.”

A spokeswoman for Midcounties Co-operative said: “We expressed an interest in the Post Office when it was available 18 months ago but found the opportunity wasn’t viable at the time.

“It is something we would be interested in reviewing if it becomes available again.”