Maidstone's Post Office could be closed under plans to offer services within a high street retailer.

The Post Office is proposing to move the Bank Street branch to WHSmith in Week Street, less than 250 metres away.

Staff would move to the new town centre site, which bosses promise will give customers a high-quality service.

Roger Gale, general manager of the Post Office Crown Network, said: "We are hugely committed to keeping our services on the high street which we know is hugely important to people.

"This proposal means we can continue to do that into the future.

"Our calibration with WHSmith helps secures the long-term viability for local customers. We are making sure we take the right course of action to sustain services for years to come."

The relocation would be part of a major modernisation programme around the Post Office network.

The new branch will have five serving positions, plus three self-service kiosks. The opening hours wouldn't change.

Members of the public are invited to comment on the move during a six-week public consultation, which ends on Wednesday, June 1.

Submissions can be made by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk or by calling 03457 22 33 44.