OBJECTIONS have been raised over plans to move a post office into a pharmacy.

The Post Office is looking to move the branch from Main Road, Tollgate, Dovercourt, to the nearby Oakley Pharmacy.

But Harwich Town Council heard a plea from the manager of the Tollgate branch saying it would hit trade.

Tushar Soni, who took over the management of Tollgate Post Office in March, sent a letter to the council asking it to oppose the move.

He said: “The post office in this shop is an essential asset to both us and the community, with this proposed moving it will affect many services that the post office here offers.

“We will also lose our ability to supply a lottery service.

“We know that would be deeply missed.”

Councillor Dave McLeod said the post office has been on the same site for more than 50 years.

He said: “The new owner of the shop has vastly improved the layout and variety of stock in the shop, and is keen to keep the post office there.

“The loss of this service could affect the viability of the shop if this goes ahead.

“In this case, services will be lost to those who use the post office now and that includes many pensioners who get personal help with all sorts of issues, postal or banking.”

Councillor Pam Morrison said the corner shops have been the absolute lifeline to everyone during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “I would not like to see it go, the pharmacy is a good business on its own.

“I don’t think there’s a room there for a post office and I think it would be a real shame if we were to lose the shop.”

Chairman of the council and Harwich Mayor, Alan Todd also said he believes the post office should stay where it is.

He said: “If you look at the original information which came out with the proposal, it mentioned that is part of a modernisation.

“I’m sure if I went and had a look at the office now and what the owners have done to it, I’m sure it would fill what they are asking.

“It’s a successful and sustainable post office which got modernised.”

The council agreed to oppose the move and invited people to oppose the move at postofficeviews.co.uk with code 137116.