ASHLEIGH Way sub-Post Office, Teignmouth, wants to expand into the neighbouring newsagent as 'an insurance for the future', writes Hannah Taylor.
Sub-post mistress Alison Clarke and husband Andrew have seen a drop in footfall at the post office since the changes in pension and benefit banking and more recently the loss of TV licence renewals to other outlets.
Now they have applied for planning permission to extend retail space at the post office, which serves east Teignmouth. It means that the couple, who have run the post office for more than two years, will be able to expand its ranges as newsagent, stationer and Fairtrade goods.
Mr Clarke said: 'We have seen less footfall because there is less post office business and that means we have to look to the retail side.
'We are happily settled in Teignmouth and this extension means that we will not have to leave.'
The application comes as Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross starts a petition to encourage government investment in sub-post offices and fewer restrictions on its business.
He visited the post office last week to listen to customers' concerns. Mr Clarke said: 'Our customers told him how important this service is and why they do not want to lose it. 'There is a future for post offices because people can still pay their utility bills here among other things and we do offer a range of services.
'But it is about how postmasters can attract people in,' he said.