ABERYSTWYTH Post Office will move to WH Smith, despite vehement protests, demonstrations and petitions against the move, it has been officially decided.

The branch will move from its home in an historic building on Great Darkgate Street to a space in the WH Smith store on Terrace Road on 24 November.

The move comes despite weekly pickets by community groups outside WH Smith, a petition with thousands of signatures, and cross-party protests - with campaigners labelling a public consultation into the plans a “sham” and a “done deal”.

The Post Office said: “Following a period of local public consultation and review, the decision has been made to proceed with the proposal to move Aberystwyth Post Office at 8 Great Darkgate Street into the WH Smith store at 36 Terrace Road, Aberystwyth.

“The branch will be operated by WH Smith High Street Ltd under a franchise agreement.

“This change is being made as part of the continuing modernisation of our network, to achieve commercial sustainability and will help us to provide services that will meet customer needs and safeguard future service provision in Aberystwyth, now and for the long-term.”

The decision has been condemned by Ceredigion MP Mark Williams, who said that the Post Office had “ploughed on regardless” of “huge opposition” to the plans.

“It is hard to conclude anything other than the fact that the outcome was a done deal, regardless of the consultation,” Mr Williams said.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online on Wednesday