A public consultation over plans to move the post office in Cromer 110 yards into the town's Budgens store has been launched.The Tucker Street branch could be relocated after the Post Office appointed Paul Burnell, co-owner of the High Street supermarket, as the new sub-postmaster for the town.

A public consultation over plans to move the post office in Cromer 110 yards into the town's Budgens store has been launched.

The Tucker Street branch could be relocated after the Post Office appointed Paul Burnell, co-owner of the High Street supermarket, as the new sub-postmaster for the town.

Mr Burnell said talks with the company began late last year after the sub-postmaster resigned. At the time, Budgens was being refurbished and the owners set aside space for the new service counter at the back of the shop in the hope they would be successful.

He believes the move could boost business for both the supermarket and post office, with customers nipping in for stamps and leaving with a loaf of bread too. He said: 'We are hoping together they will be even more successful.'

A spokesman for the Post Office said the opening hours at the new site would not change and the same range of services would be available. There would also be better access for customers with mobility problems and an on-site car park.

Mr Burnell has spoken to staff at the Tucker Street branch saying he hoped they would all continue to work at the post office following the move. He added: 'It would make my life an awful lot easier, although they are under no obligations because of the way the transfer works. We will have exactly the same number of jobs.'

He said he hoped the move would take place in September.

A letter has been sent to customers of the Tucker Street branch explaining the proposal and asking for their views on the planned move.

Anyone wanting to share their opinion should write to Post Office, c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW, e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call 08457 223344 by July 8.