The Post Office says its main branch in Sheerness will close for good next month.

The firm confirmed today it would shut the facility at 33 Broadway permanently at 12.30pm on Saturday, September 21.

The decision to close the town's main office followed a 12-week public consultation, which ended in October last year.

However, the company says other outlets inside shops in the town will meet customer demand.

There are Post Office counters at The Premier Corner Shop by the clock tower, at 3A’s in the high street and SS Convenience Store, Queensway.

A Post Office spokesman said: “With any closure it’s inevitable, but regrettable, that some customers will be inconvenienced.

"However, there are a number of alternative Post Office branches in the surrounding area, along with good public transport provision.

"We are confident our new branches have the capacity to meet customer demand and cater for additional customers, offering a wide range of products and services and, due to the extended opening hours, providing continued good access to our services.”

Central Post Office functions, such as passport check and send, identification services, change giving and high-value banking, will be available only at Minster’s Chapel Street branch – more than three miles away.

The spokesman added: "Staff at the alternative branches are fully trained in Post Office transactions and staffing levels will be reviewed and carefully aligned to meet customer demand."

Cllr Cameron Beart (Con), who has been campaigning to keep the Broadway branch open, said he was "very disappointed" to have been told the firm was pushing ahead with the closure.

"I submitted a lengthy consultation response objecting to the closure, as did Gordon Henderson MP and Swale council, but unfortunately this decision has now been made," he added.

It is not thought the Royal Mail delivery services will be affected.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheerness