A PETITION calling for a halt to a planned Post Office relocation has been presented to the organisation’s management after attracting more than 3,500 signatures.

Penrith Post Office, currently housed in a standalone site in Crown Square, is set to be moved to the WH Smith store on Angel Square.

Since the announcement of the plans in January, concerns have been expressed by a number of residents about the size and suitability of the proposed new location.

These concerns were echoed by a cross-party coalition of local councillors, as well as the town’s MP Rory Stewart who launched a petition in response to the plan.

After attracting 3,682 signatures, the petition was handed to the Post Office’s external affairs manager Richard Hall on Friday.

With another version of the petition online attracting about 1,500 signatures, Mr Stewart said that the strength of opposition to the proposed move had been soundly demonstrated.

“I would like to thank everybody who signed this petition, which I am hopeful will make the Post Office’s management think again,” said Mr Stewart after presenting the petition to Mr Hall.

“Mr Hall listened to the concerns that we expressed. I will continue to make this case in further meetings.”

Following the presentation of the petition, to Mr Hall, a Post Office spokeswoman confirmed the final decision on the move had not yet been made.

“It is natural that people will have concerns about the proposed changes to Penrith Post Office branch,” she said.

“All of the feedback we have received, including the petition, is currently being carefully considered and will absolutely shape our final decision when it comes to the plans.”