Plans to move Potters Bar's post office would be better for the elderly, a politician claims.

The crown post office currently based at 123 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, could move early next year to a stationer’s shop in The Sainsbury Centre, in Darkes Lane – about 250 metres away.

The branch would be run by Universal Office Equipment, rather than directly by the Post Office, and will be open for an extra 11 hours per week.

Frank Ward, a former Labour councillor and chairman of Hertsmere Ukip, said the move “provides an ideal and much welcome improvement”, and would “improve the quality of life” for people in Potters Bar.

He explained that the new location would provide better weather protection and hundreds of parking places.

Mr Ward added: “This new location will assist and encourage those who are elderly, especially the disabled and also those with young families to enjoy the opportunity of a visit to their post office, which for some at this moment may be considered a major challenge.”

A public consultation on the proposals ends tomorrow.

Submissions can be made through the online questionnaire at www.postofficeviews.co.uk, by FREEPOST Your Comments to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55.

People are asked to quote branch code 030005 in all communications.