THE relocation of Harle Syke's Post Office into the Spar shop from September has been welcomed by Burnley MP Peter Pike.

He said: "This is an important service in Harle Syke and I was involved in the fight for a temporary service to serve the area when the previous sub-postmaster's contract was terminated."

A letter to Mr Pike from Jane Briginshaw, area manager for the Post Office, outlines the new facility at the shop on Burnley Road, Harle Syke, will open open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 9am to 12.30pm.

She said: "As you may be aware this Post Office branch has been run on our behalf by a temporary agent since our contract with the sub-postmaster ceased.

"As with any such arrangement we were conscious that a longer-term solution was required.

"We have now appointed a new sub-postmaster and also intend to move the branch into alternative premises.

"We feel this course of action will benefit the local community and help to secure the future of Post Office counter services in the area.

"We hope to be able to maintain a service at the existing premises until the new branch is ready to open in early September.

"The new location is situated along level terrain with one street parking around the premises.

"There is currently one small step to the store but a ramp will be installed before the new Post Office branch opens to ensure full access for our elderly and disabled customers."