There has been a mixed reaction to Post Office plans to open a branch in Market Street, Ely.

It would form part of a convenience store that Devinder Singh expects to open in Central Hall.

Mr Singh would extend post office opening times to Sundays and it would open longer during the week.

The shop will be some 500 metres from the current temporary building in the Paradise Centre car park, in Newham Street.

Many people have been in contact with the Ely Standard to express their relief at the proposal, while some have suggested the city cannot cope with another convenience store.

Sandra Banks said: “My 91-year-old, born and bred, father-in-law said there were four post offices in Ely before the Second World War.

“The population was far less than it is now. I realise we now have e-mails, Facebook, phones, etc. But do we really have to have today’s post office shared with a convenience store where there is no real parking?

“Obviously, having the post office in the town rather than where it us now would be better for every one.”

Kerrie Hill said: “Do we need another convenience shop? We just need a stand alone post office.”

Hayley Mason said: “Anything is better than the portable building blocking the car park!”

Should the move go ahead, the main counters would be open Monday to Saturday: 9am -5.30pm. In addition, the post office serving point would open Monday to Friday: 7am – 8pm; Saturday: 7am - 10pm; Sunday: 7am – 6pm.

A Post Office spokesman said: “This would offer 91 hours of post office service a week – an extra 45 hours a week, including all day Sunday and Saturday afternoon.” The Post Office is now inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the move in a seven-week public consultation.

Submissions can be made during the consultation by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk or via the customer helpline on 08457 22 33 44.