A Post Office counter will reopen six weeks earlier than planned amid a store’s takeover by Tesco.

The counter at the Herne Bay branch of Co-op, in Mortimer Street, will shut from the end of this month while renovation works are carried out.

Bosses initially said the work would take 11 weeks but it is now set to open after just five weeks - at 9am on October 4.

It comes as a Tesco Express is set to move into the Co-op store later this year.

Post Office bosses say the counter located inside the store will be shutting for refurbishment work on Saturday, August 31 at 12.30pm before the five-week programme will see it modernised.

During this closure, alternative branches include the Sea Street office and the Beltinge site in Reculver Road – both just a mile away from the Mortimer Street branch.

Daniel Rooney, Post Office partner account manager, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during the work.

“The safety of our customers is paramount, therefore, to allow for the building work to take place, it is necessary for the service to close temporarily.”

It has not been confirmed exactly what work is taking place at the Post Office.

Co-op has already confirmed its departure from the seaside town with retail giant Tesco already lined up to move in having completed the sale of the site and opening later in 2024.

It is one of two Co-op Food stores in the town, with the Sea Street branch expected to remain open as usual.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’re always looking for the best ways to serve local communities and are excited to be opening a new Tesco Express store on Mortimer Street, Herne Bay.

“We will keep the local community updated with our plans as we get closer to opening later this year.”

Details have not been confirmed about when Tesco will be carrying out its refit of the shop.