HEXHAM’S post office looks set to move into a soon-to-be opened convenience store.

The Post Office has launched a consultation after announcing plans last week for its service to move in to the new High Street Convenience Store, at 12 Battle Hill.

The shop, which is currently empty, has also already put an alcohol licence application in its window.

The announcement about the post office came just days after Beales, which owns Hexham Outlet Centre on Fore Street where the post office is located currently, announced it was putting itself up for sale.

Beales had not responded when contacted to ask how the Hexham store would be affected. The Post Office’s consultation will last six weeks until January 31.

Northumberland county councillor Cath Homer said: “We have put a lot of hard work in to find an alternative location, and we looked at several, but the Post Office don’t have stand-alone shops now. It is all about the design of going in a shared space and this is probably the best alternative.”

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman said: “There has been a lot of uncertainty this year concerning the future of Hexham Post Office and I am delighted that we now have a concrete proposal on the table.

"Behind the scenes, there's been a huge effort from both Post Office and county council staff to ensure we have a viable and long term plan for this service and it's fantastic news that the future now looks secure for the service."