Post Office have confirmed that they will be closing their Dartford branch and merging with high street stationary giant WHSmith this summer.

The announcement follows months of public consultation and objection from local councillors, along with members of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) who fought fiercely against the planned franchise agreement.

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Dartford Labour protesting the planned move last November

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A statement issued by Post Office noted that the current Dartford branch will close on June 26 with the relocated facility in the High Street to open the following day.

The proposed WHSmith facility is set to contain three staff-manned counters along with four self-service kiosks and will be open seven days a week.

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Speaking on the closure, Network and Sales director for Post Office, Roger Gale said that the change would help to ensure the branch is "commercially viable" into the future and "protect" Post Office services in the area.

"The Post Office is committed to keeping our services at the heart of communities which we know is hugely important to people.

"This change means we can continue to do that, into the future.

"We are making sure we take the right action to sustain services for years to come."

However, trade union liaison officer with Dartford Labour, Claire Pearce, believes that this planned move will only be detrimental to Dartford town centre and won't provide the same level of service to residents as the current branch does.

"It’s ridiculous that Dartford is losing its post office branch.

"None of the residents of Dartford are being listened to and it seems they went rail-roading right through with this plan.

"The staff are just incredible down there. Dartford Labour stand in total solidarity with them at this time," she said.

The CWU have been approached for further comment.