POST office bosses believe a move along Innerleithen High Street will secure services in the town for years to come.

The Peeblesshire News revealed earlier this year that the current office was under threat due a reduction in counter business.

And now a deal has been done to relocate within a convenience store - just 100 yards away.

The changes are being put forward as part of a major programme of modernisation and investment across the Post Office network.

The proposals are being put out to public consultation for six weeks before plans are finalised.

June Carruthers, current owner of the post office at 53 High Street, is convinced the relocation is a good thing and will ensure a service continues in the town.

She said: “I’m all for it - it will secure the future of the post office in Innerleithen.

“We just don’t have the footfall here any more and it makes sense to have it within another store.” If the plans are approved the Post Office will be located within the Village Store.

Owner Kashif Ali is confident the move will provide a boost to the town.

“This will be a great opportunity for the local people,” he said.

“I think it’s a great idea as we will be open from six in the morning until 10 at night giving people much opportunity to use post office services.

“We already have extension plans and I have a meeting arranged with my builder and architect.

“We will be taking on two new staff and there will be two counters for customers.” A public consultation is now underway and will end on September 17.

Mrs Carruthers, whose husband Ian owns the post office in Peebles, is uncertain about her future.

“I haven’t got to thinking what I will do just yet.

“There’s a possibility I could work at the new post office in Innerleithen or I could work with my husband in Peebles.

“I do own the current post office premises in Innerleiten and that will either be sold or rented.” The proposals were welcomed by Tweeddale East councillor Gavin Logan who said: “This has to be a positive step for Innerleithen.

“We know that the post office was struggling and it makes sense to have it in a place where it can be open so much longer. It will allow people to use the services after they come home from work.

“Post offices are an important community service and this is going to ensure its long term future in Innerleithen.”