ROYAL Mail sorting offices in Pendle will be merged on a new purpose-built site in Nelson next year if plans get the go-ahead.

Bosses want to close the sorting office in Colne Post Office and merge the letters and parcels delivery service with the Nelson operation in a new sorting centre alongside the existing office in Stanworth Road, Nelson.

A planning application for the new office is expected to be submitted to Pendle Council shortly and the new system could be in place by next summer.

The Royal Mail stressed the merger of the two offices would not affect the 35 staff at Colne and would mean a better service for householders.

"We are planning to merge Nelson and Colne delivery offices into new purpose-built premises in Nelson," a Royal Mail spokesman confirmed.

"This will provide a modern working environment for staff and a first class service for customers.

"The Colne office is not big enough to deal with the amount of mail that goes through there.

"We plan to carry out alterations to a building next to our existing Nelson office.

"This will not affect staff at Colne and will improve services in the area.

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