THE POST Office plans to close its branch in Chingford Mount and move it inside a convenience store.

The branch in Old Church Road has eight windows but Post Office bosses think its customers can be served better by a five-window branch inside Costcutters in Chingford Mount Road.

Shayne Turner, 30, an administrator from Hall Lane, Chingford, said that the move was clearly an example of penny pinching.

"This is an extremely busy branch and it is not unusual to have to queue for over ten minutes or even out on the pavement.

"I think the proposal is ridiculous and I cannot see how it will cope with the number of customers using the existing post office," she said.

Jill Alsop, from Woodford Green, who uses the branch on her regular shopping trips to Chingford, agreed. She said: "It's going to be madness there."

When the Guardian visited at Monday lunchtime, we spent 15 minutes waiting to be served in a queue of 21 people, reaching out the door. There were only four windows open and regular users said that was normal.

Most people we talked to did not know about the move.

Edith Webb, 90, of Marmion Avenue, Chingford, said that she would have to get her pension paid into her bank when the post office moved as the new one would be too far to walk to.

"They shut the small offices then move the big ones. Why can't they just leave things alone?" she asked.

A Post Office spokesman said that customers would benefit from a new low-level serving counter which would be the correct level for wheelchair users, a flat entrance and a hearing loop.

He added: "We are confident that our loyal customers will welcome our plans."

Customers disagreed. Reginald Howard, 79, of Tufton Road, Chingford, said: "I want the post office to be the post office, not inside some shop."

Several people in the queue complained about lack of investment in the old post office and suggested that money should be spent on improving the old building and providing more staff.

The Post Office sais that the move was the decision of the sub post-mistress, Kalpana Shah.

But Mrs Shah said: "I'm just the temporary postmistress, a manager. I don't really know what is going on."

Send your views to Consultation Manager, Post Office Ltd, National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW by March 17 or call the customer helpline on 08457 223344.