PUBLIC consultation has begun over plans to open a new Keighley town-centre post office.

The facility is earmarked for a currently-empty unit in the outdoor area of the Airedale Shopping Centre.

It will replace the existing post office based within the WH Smith store, which is closing on September 3.

The new provision will be at 48 Towngate, between Airedale Opticians and Cats Protection – and just a couple of doors away from where the old central post office was located before its closure in 2014.

Post Office Ltd says the vacant unit will undergo a full refit and the new-look premises will also sell cards, stationery and confectionery.

There will be two screened post office counters in a dedicated area of the store, plus a serving point at the retail counter.

The same range of services would be on offer as at the present post office.

Opening hours at the new premises would be 9am to 5.30pm weekdays and 9am to 1pm Saturdays.

Allison Wallace, Post Office Ltd network provision manager, says: "We know how important a post office is to residents and businesses and we are delighted to have plans for a permanent facility for Keighley in the same shopping centre area.

"We are working towards reopening the Keighley branch very soon after it closes at its current location to minimise any loss of service."

Anyone wishing to provide feedback should go to postofficeviews.co.uk, and use the branch code 011306.

Alternatively, email comments@postoffice.co.uk, write to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, call 03452 66 01 15 or textphone 03457 22 33 55.

The consultation closes on September 14.