THE Post Office overlooked the future growth of Worcester when it decided to relocate the branch, according to a leading councillor.

Coun Geoff Williams, who chairs scrutiny in the city, reckons the company has made a "disasterous decision" in confirming the move from Foregate Street to WH Smith in the High Street.

With a six week consultation on it ending tonight, Coun Williams has sent off a strongly worded letter warning against the move.

He is concerned that with up to 16,800 extra homes due to be built in Worcester by 2026, Post Office bosses have acted too hastily.

In the letter, which has been passed on to the Worcester News, he said: "You should be aware that Worcester is a growth area both now and for the future.

"The university (of Worcester) is expanding by a third, and in the immediate area of your present Post Office, considerable new residential accommodation in the city centre is under construction, and under whatever option chosen is chosen for the revised West Midlands Spatial Strategy, the city will be a focus for a significant number of dwellings.

"This expansion is likely to proceed over the next two decades. We are concerned you may have overlooked this growth, and that it should be factored into your business considerations."

Coun Williams, who labelled the move "disasterous" for Worcester earlier this week, also said he was concerned about plans to locate the branch to the first floor.

The letter also raises concerns about access to the branch, the number of counters the new store will have, and the future of staff training.

The company wants to reduce the number of service positions from 14 to eight, and keep the one remaining lift in place as an alternative to the stairs.

As we first reported back in January, the Post Office is relocating 70 branches nationwide into nearby WH Smith stores to save £70m.

The Worcester consultation has received around 40 responses from the public, our local MPs, the city council and other groups such as industry watchdog Postwatch.

The Post Office has already confirmed the move will take place within the next 16 months, but launched the consultation to get opinion on it.

A spokesman for the Post Office said it would "read each and every one of the responses" it received.