MEMBERS of a post office workers’ union are campaigning against proposed plans to move a community post office to a retail premises.

In January the Post Office announced plans to close 37 Crown offices across the UK, including the Walthamstow office in High Street and the South Woodford office.

The Communication Workers Union says if the plans are given the go-ahead it would be a “blow” to community.

Clive Tickner, the local union representative, said the union is calling on the Post Office to backtrack on the proposals.

Mr Tickner said: "Walthamstow Crown Post Office is an essential part of the local economy. It's a valuable asset to the area and is relied upon by local residents and businesses as well as people who collect their pensions and benefits here.

“The staff are well-trained and have a wealth of experience between them which will be lost under the company's plans to close this office and find what it calls a 'retail partner'.

“There are hundreds of people who come to this office every day and we simply don't think that the same service could be matched by a few serving positions in the back of another shop.”

Mr Tickner said if current staff who have years of experience are laid off it would mean customers will be provided with an “inferior” service.

The Post Office has yet to announce a retail partner to take over its Walthamstow office. A spokesman for the Post Office said a six-week public consultation will be held when the announcement is made.

The spokesman said: “The current post office is not sustainable into the future and we are therefore looking to potentially operate a branch in the vicinity under a franchise arrangement.

“Our plans in Walthamstow will be centred on keeping the same wide range of services as now, easily accessible for all our customers, including local businesses.

“When we franchise a branch, it is possible for staff to transfer their employment in line with TUPE (transfer of undertakings, protection of employment) legislation.”