An MP has said he is 'deeply disappointed' with plans to move a Post Office branch into the local WHSmith store.

Tom Tugendhat MP has criticised the plans which would see the closure of the branch near Tonbridge High Street, with a new smaller shop opening in the local WHSmith store.

Many Post Office branches have closed in recent years, with a large number of them being incorporated into WHSmith shops.

Maidstone Post Office on Bank Street closed earlier this year, and is now in the WHSmith store in Week Street, and the Canterbury branch moved into the St George's Street Smiths.

There have not been any announcements about what the Bank Street unit will now be occupied by, but the former Canterbury branch is now a Chimichanga restaurant.

Plans to potentially move the Tonbridge store were first announced in October, and a public consultation is running to get the thoughts of local people.

The Post Office says that it will aim to offer the same services as the current Angel Walk branch in the proposed new location.

The existing team would move to the new shop.

Mr Tugendhat said: "I am deeply disappointed that the Post Office would consider this. I have been in correspondence with them about the matter and have not received any assurances that the service would improve for customers should a standalone Post Office close.

"Tonbridge is a town on the up, and has a vibrant feel to it. It deserves its Post Office, and any decision to close it would not benefit residents, particularly in the south of the town.

"I have launched a petition to oppose this plan as I have deep reservations about these proposals."

Roger Gale, General Manager of the Post Office Crown Network, said: "We are committed to keeping our services on the high street which we know is hugely important to people. This proposal means we can continue to do that, into the future.

"Our customers will be offered the same range of services.

"Our collaboration with WHSmith helps secure the long-term viability of services for local customers.

"We are making sure we take the right course of action to sustain services for years to come. We must adapt to the changing needs of our customers, who want a convenient and flexible choice of when and how they do business with us – whether that is face to face or on the web."

The public consultation ends on Wednesday, November 16. Residents can give their thoughts by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk or by phone 03457 223344.