Campaigners have pledged to continue their fight to keep Keighley’s main post office where it is.

They refute claims by company bosses that a relocated branch would offer the same level of customer service.

And they have dismissed a public consultation as a “sham”.

Last week, Post Office Ltd revealed it was proposing to move the Post Office at Towngate into the town’s WH Smith store.

It said an identical range of services would be provided and that people were being given a chance to have their say on the plans.

But David Bowmaker, territorial representative for the Communication Workers Union, said: “If this goes ahead, it will be a major blow for Keighley.

“There won’t be as many counter positions and there will be fewer people serving when customer demand is at its highest.

“And the public should be aware that the consultation is not over whether the post office moves, that is decided. It’s about details such as where things are in the new location.

“We’re not giving up our fight over this.”

Post Office bosses said the new facility would include six serving positions, a mixture of screened and open plan.

Opening hours would be 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 3pm on Sundays.

Customers and other interested parties are being invited to give their comments and a public forum will be held in the new year.

The consultation will run until February 3 and the move could take place in March or April.

Comments can be submitted via an online questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk, by FREEPOST Your Comments to Post Office Ltd, via e-mail comments@postoffice.co.uk, a customer helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or textphone 08457 22 33 55. People are asked to quote branch code 010306 in all communication.