SWINDON'S main post office is set to move to a new home - inside WH Smith.

The Swindon-based retail company has teamed up with Post Office Ltd to safeguard the future of the main, central postal service in the town.

The Sanford Street Post Office will close and, by next March, shoppers at the Regent Street store could be posting their letters while picking up a copy of their favourite paperback.

The partnership will see WH Smith managing the day-to-day operations with full support and guidance from Post Office Ltd to ensure the branch maintains it service standards.

The decision is yet to be finalised, but a trial of six post offices inside branches of the high street giant was given the stamp of approval by customers.

WH Smith area manager Debbie Lansdown said the company was delighted to be working with the Post Office.

"Following the positive customer response to our post office trial last year, we are pleased to be able to bring the same improved service to Swindon," she said.

"We will be providing the full range of post office services, alongside our own extensive product offer from our store located in the heart of Swindon's shopping area.

"Our highly-trained staff are committed to delivering an enhanced service with longer opening hours from a convenient location that is fully accessible to all customers.

"At a time when so many branches face an uncertain future, this is good news for post office customers in Swindon."

Royal Mail spokeswoman Jaquie Stenson said the Sanford Street office was under leasehold.

The company will look to dispose of the building when the move takes place.

She added that no jobs would be lost and staff would be offered transfers to the WH Smith Post Office or elsewhere within Post Office Ltd.

There will be no compulsory redundancies, although voluntary packages will be available.

Should any additional vacancies arise through the move, staff will be recruited through the high street stationers.

Mike Dalton, of Post Office Ltd, said the partnership was good news for customers.

"WH Smith's extensive retail experience and knowledge will ensure that post office customers continue to receive a high standard of service," he said.

"The wide range of post office services currently available at this branch will remain, including personal banking, financial services, car tax renewal, the Post Office Card Account, passport checking, foreign currency and, of course, mail and parcel services."

The decision on whether to proceed with the franchise will be made in six weeks.

Customers of the Sanford Street branch are invited to give their views on the proposed opening hours of the new branch, access arrangements and facilities available.

Anyone who wants to have their say should write to Philippa Wright, National Consultation Manager, Post Office Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW by July 11.