The Post Office has confirmed it will close its main branch in Sheerness.

The decision to shut the facility at 33 Broadway follows the opening of three new outlets inside shops in the town.

The new counters opened in The Premier Corner Shop by the clock tower, SS Convenience Store at 124 Queensway, and 3A's at 20 High Street.

Following a 12-week public consultation, which began at the end of July, the Post Office has today announced it will proceed with its decision to close the town's main office.

The firm also said to ensure that staff working in the branch do not face "a period of extended uncertainty", the branch will be operated by an "experienced interim operator" from Thursday, November 8 until it closes at a future date.

The Post Office announced two years ago that the current Sheerness branch was not sustainable into the future.

Roger Gale, the firm's network and sales director, said: “We are satisfied that all of the alternative branches have sufficient capacity to absorb additional business and meet the needs of local business and personal customers. Additionally we are working closely with the operators of alternative branches to make sure they are ready to meet the additional footfall and maintain quality of service.

“Whilst we finalise plans for service provision, Sheerness Post Office in Broadway will remain open and be operated on an experienced interim operator.”

“Post Offices offer a wide range of services - including everyday banking for the UK’s high street banks, online shopping returns and collections and foreign exchange – in a competitive marketplace. By opening more branches with retailers, bringing the benefits of shared footfall and overheads often alongside extended opening hours, we are able to keep our presence in key locations.”

To enable the service to be transferred to the interim operator, Sheerness Post Office will be temporarily closed from 5.30pm on Wednesday, November 7 until 1pm on Thursday, November 8.

The Royal Mail delivery services will not be affected.