Controversial plans to relocate Keighley’s main post office will be outlined during a public forum next week.

Post Office bosses propose closing the current Towngate branch and moving facilities into the nearby WH Smith store.

Campaigners fighting the plans say the move would lead to a reduction in customer service.

But Post Office Ltd refutes the allegations.

It will explain the proposals during a drop-in session at Central Hall in Alice Street between 4.30pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Roger Gale, the company’s crown network general manager, said: “We are committed to keeping a post office branch in Keighley and to maintaining the same levels of service for our customers.

“We believe the best way for us to do this is to change the way we operate it, so if the move goes ahead, it will be run by WH Smith High Street Ltd rather than by us directly.”

Subject to public consultation, the new facility will include six serving positions, and opening hours would be 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 3pm on Sundays.

The Communication Workers Union claims there would be fewer people serving when customer demand is at its highest, and opponents also question how the facility would be accommodated within the “already cramped” WH Smith outlet.

Consultation runs until February 3, and the move could take place in March or April.

Comments can be submitted via an online questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk, by FREE-POST Your Comments to Post Office Ltd, via e-mail comments@postoffice.co.uk, a customer helpline on 08457 223344 or textphone 08457 223355, quoting branch code 010306.