THE future of Westbury's main Post Office is under threat as the Co-operative supermarket in Kingfisher Way is set to make way for a new store.

German giant Lidl has bought the supermarket and will take over the premises later this month, after the Co-op closes its doors in Westbury for the last time on Saturday, November 26.

Between the date of closure and Monday, December 5, a refit will be carried out and there will be no access to both the Co-op or the Post Office.

When it reopens, the Post Office will remain open for one year but with reduced hours, from 9am until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday instead of the current opening times of 7am until 10pm. At this stage Lidl cannot say whether or not it will remain open after October 2017.

Westbury mayor Stephen Andrews said: "It would be a real blow if the Post Office has to leave as it's a valuable service for the community.

"I would like to see it relocated to the town centre, but trying to find another place for it will be difficult.

"The only other ones are in The Ham and in Dilton Marsh.

"To be honest the Co-op isn't the best location for it, but at least it's in the town."

A Co-op spokesperson said that 'the decision to sell the store is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment from colleagues working at the Westbury store' and that all current colleagues will transfer to Lidl.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Westbury Post Office is based within the store, but a commitment has been made that it will be able to remain on site until October 2017 - the end of the Co-op’s resignation period in 2017.

“Westbury Post Office will be closed temporarily from Sunday, November 27 for the retail side of the store to be stripped including the low-screened Post Office counter alongside the retail counter.

“The Post Office will then be sectioned off to allow the main Post Office area of the store to re-open on Monday, December 5.

“We are committed to maintaining a Post Office in this area of Westbury, potentially with a new retailer at the existing site or at a new location.”

Residents are angered by the closure, including Murton Ethel, of Thornbury Road, who said: "I think it is a terrible shame.

"Where will it go after Lidl? I can't think of anywhere in the centre of town."