RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on the proposed move of Colchester's Post Office.

A six week consultation exploring the proposals, which will see the branch move from its current North Hill home to WH Smith, in Culver Square, opened on Wednesday.

The Post Office says the controversial plans are part of a "modernisation" of its network.

As part of the plans, the North Hill building would be closed and the upstairs of WH Smith, where the new Post Office would be housed, would be given an extensive overhaul.

But the proposals have received widespread criticism, with critics pointing a lack of space in the new venue.

READ MORE: What will become of North Hill building when Post Office leaves?

Colchester MP Will Quince warned, given the demographic, the lift to the first floor would become the 'busiest in Colchester'.

High Steward and former MP Bob Russell, has also taken aim at the plans.

In a strong letter to Post Office bosses, he said: "What the Post Office is proposing will provide a much worse service in cramped accommodation.

"You simply cannot replicate what is currently provided on the ground floor of the Post Office in Colchester, in a prime location facing the High Street at the major junction of Head Street with North Hill, by cramming the counters into the first floor of WH Smith in Lion Walk precinct.

"It is a nonsense to pretend that what is currently provided in the Post Office can be equally offered in the first floor of a retail shop."

To have your say in the consultation, click here