Upwell Post Office will be relocated to a nearby shop and open seven days a week.

At a date to be announced, the store will move to G & B Superstore Ltd on Town Street.

The post office will be open an extra 70 hours a week, including all day Sunday and Saturday afternoons.

Villagers had penned a 400-signature petition in a bid to force the Post Office to rethink relocating the branch. A public meeting was held where concerns were raised about parking and traffic.

Will Russell, regional network manager, said: “The branch is currently operated on our behalf by a temporary postmaster. This has allowed us to maintain Post Office services, but what we want for our customers is a permanent, long-term sustainable solution.

“We are confident this move, which is part of our modernisation and investment plans for our network, will provide this.

“Most consultation feedback focused on parking at the proposed location, space inside the new premises and the level of service that would be available after the change.

“Concerns raised about parking and traffic are a problem faced nationwide and are outside our direct control. However, there is roadside parking directly outside the premises and further along Town Street.

“For those accessing the new branch on foot, it is a few minutes’ walk from the current branch.

“We are working closely with the new operator on the internal layout and some fixtures and fittings will be re-aligned or removed to ensure clear access into the premises.

“Aisles will be kept free from obstructions, with adequate room provided for customers to queue and for a wheelchair to move around the shop and access Post Office services.

“We are also working closely with the operator to provide appropriate level of privacy for Post Office customers, including queue arrangements, so customers know where to wait to be served.

“Staff will be fully trained in Post Office transactions and other areas of work including Data Protection, Mail Handling and the need to respect customer privacy.”