A POUNDBURY resident says plans to add a second post office in the development are “beyond belief”.

The Echo reported last week that residents in the Victoria Park area of the town were “shocked” at proposals by the Post Office to relocate its Maud Road branch to Poundbury Village Stores.

Peter Noble lives in Poundbury but he says he understands the residents’ frustration at the prospect of losing their post office in Victoria Park and he is not convinced of the need for a second post office at Poundbury.

He described the proposal as “about the daftest I have ever seen”.

Mr Noble said: “I have lived on the Poundbury development since before building started, and for many years we who live here wanted a post office. “Very recently we rejoiced in the fact that we have one, which opens many hours, seven days a week. So, the idea that another should be relocated here, from where it is a vital local need, is beyond belief.

“We don’t want it or need it - as agreed at the recent residents association general meeting. But the people living in the vicinity of the existing site around Victoria Park need it." The Post Office says the proposal would see the relocated branch open for an extra 52 hours and 30 minutes a week including all-day on Sundays and on Saturday afternoons.

It added that the proposed new location also has improved access and that it was part of a modernisation programme that would “secure services for the future”.

The Post Office stressed that the proposed relocation would be with the current postmaster’s agreement and it is encouraging local residents to get involved in the consultation, which runs until August 9.

Customers can share their views online at postofficeviews.co.uk