The Post Office has announced its Pinner branch will move next month after residents were unable to dissuade the company from relocating.

Following a period of public consultation and review, the decision was made to relocate the 67 Bridge Street branch into the WHSmith store at 11 Bridge Street.

WHSmith Network general manager Roger Gale said: “We are confident that the new branch will be suitably located, and that it will continue to meet customer needs and deliver an excellent service, whilst helping to provide future sustainability for the branch and maintaining a Post Office presence in Pinner.

“We remain satisfied that customers in Pinner will continue to have good access to Post Office services.”

However Ruth Boff, secretary of the Pinner Association, said: “It was felt that the ‘consultation’ was held merely as a courtesy to the local population, and that the decision to relocate to WHSmith had obviously already been made,” said Mrs Boff.

“It was questioned why no representatives from WHSmith or Royal Mail were available to be questioned at the consultation.”

Members of the Pinner Association had previously analysed the relocation and agreed there were pros and cons to the proposal.

They favoured the longer opening hours at the new location, which will include Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, deeming them more convenient for those working full time.

Shorter and level walking access from the south side of Pinner, and added footfall to the WHSmith store were also suggested as positive points.

The current branch will close at 5.30pm on Wednesday November 16, with the new branch opening at 9am the following day.

The branch will be operated by WHSmith under a franchise agreement.