CAMPAIGNERS have branded the re-location of the Trowbridge post office as a 'sham' after the move was announced last week.

Following a public consultation the post office which is currently in Roundstone Street will be moving to WH Smiths in Fore Street from June 20, meaning the loss of seven jobs.

Rob Wotherspoon, Communication Workers Union Branch secretary said: "It is clear that the Post Office consultation was a sham, and they always intended to push ahead with their plans despite opposition from the local community.

"The proposals received an overwhelmingly negative response but they have ignored this. A successful local post office being given away to an ailing high street store at the public’s expense tells you everything you need to know about the government’s disastrous approach to postal services.

"This is a sad day for Trowbridge and in particular for the loyal and experienced staff who will now be leaving.”

Other issues around the move include accessibility and parking.

Trowbridge Mayor, councillor Dennis Drewitt said: “It is certainly good that we still have a post office, the down side is the access for people who aren’t very mobile because there wouldn’t be any parking facilities there at all.

“But we should be appreciative that we still have a post office service in the town."

Roger Gale, network and sales director at the Post Office said: “The Post Office is committed to keeping our services at the heart of communities which we know is hugely important to people.

“This change means we can continue to do that, into the future. We are making sure we take the right action to sustain services for years to come.”