OLDHAM West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has expressed anger at the Post Office's decision to press ahead with the planned move from Lord Street into the WHSmith in the Spindles Shopping Centre.

In a strongly-worded statement he called on the management of the company to "seriously consider their positions".

Mr MacMahon has received written confirmation from the Post Office Ltd's head of directly managed branch network Steve Blampied that it will proceed with its plan.

In the letter Mr Blampied said: "After careful consideration and the feedback we received, we remain confident that the new branch will continue to meet customer needs and deliver an excellent service, while securing the long-term viability of Post Office services in Oldham."

He said the current branch would close at 5.30pm on Wednesday, November 6 with the new branch opening at 9am the following day.

Mr McMahon said: "I am extremely disappointed with this measure, as I know many constituents will be too. I am also disgusted that the thousands of calls to stop the closure by local residents were ignored by the remote and disinterested management of the Post Office Ltd.

"They have shown they are ignorant to the impact the move will have on our town centre, local businesses and the wider community.

"I don’t just resent the decision, I believe those responsible for it should seriously consider their positions.

"Oldham MPs and the council submitted detailed response to the consultation and the Post Office chiefs did not have the courtesy to address the concerns that we set out. Instead they confirmed the decision they had clearly always intended to see through."

He continued "My thoughts are now with the staff of the Oldham Post Office branch who are affected by this move.”

Oldham councillor Elaine Taylor: “It is vitally important that our Crown Post Office is accessible for all members of the community, but unfortunately, the move to WHSmiths will mean that many elderly and disabled residents simply cannot access it, and the inevitable downgrading of services and expertise will also reduce much needed footfall from our town centre.

"The move is detrimental and short sighted given the popularity and profitability of Oldham’s Crown Post Office.”