Opponents lose post office battle

The post office moves into the basement of a WH Smith store

The closure of a Leicester post office has gone ahead despite opposition from residents and the local Labour MP.

Leicester South MP Sir Peter Soulsby said he is "angry and disappointed" about the decision to close the Bishop Street post office.

The post office moves to a new location in a basement location in a WH Smith store on Gallowtree Gate on Friday.

Some customers said the new location was not convenient for elderly people or people who have disabilities.

"People of Leicester deserve a proper post office in the centre of Leicester - putting it in the basement of a newsagent is no substitute.

He said the move had more to do with the value of the Bishop Street building.

Adrian Wales from the Post Office said a good service would continue to be provided for the people of Leicester.

Royal Mail plans to move more than 70 branches into WH Smith stores across the country.

The company has said the move would put branches on a "sound financial footing, after many years of heavy losses".