Mail workers on Alston Moor will be relocated 20 miles away to Brampton, it was announced this week.

Royal Mail confirmed that the sorting operation at Alston, located at the post office on Front Street, would be moved to the Brampton Mail Centre, when the town’s post office moves to new premises on the same street later this month

Royal Mail said discussions with staff were ongoing.

Last month, it was announced that the post office would move next door to the Crown Hotel on Front Street on February 24.

The new branch will continue to house Royal Mail’s Customer Delivery Point where customers can pick up delivered parcels that they missed after receiving a delivery card.

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: “There will be no impact on our customers or any disruption to our delivery service following the move.”

The post office move will also see the building open for an extra 14 hours per week and will bring an end to lunchtime closing.

The relocation will also bring an open-plan store layout and opening hours on seven days a week.

Kenny Lamont, Post Office area change manager said: “We are confident that this vibrant new-style post office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”

However, Eden district councillor for Alston Moor Coun. Lissie Sharp, said: “My understanding is that a lot of residents are worried about the impact this change will have, particularly on the members of staff involved.

“I believe the staff already travel down that road to Brampton, but there are questions about what will happen in bad weather, and whether people will receive parcels in the same way.”