WH SMITH is set to take over the running of the Post Office in Warrington town centre.

The town centre branch moved from its previous home in the Old Market Place to Smith’s Golden Square Shopping Centre store in October 2016.

And the retail chain is now set to take over the running of the Post Office as a franchise.

Previously, the branch was directly operated by the Post Office.

No date for the changeover has been confirmed as of yet.

Roger Gale, Post Office network and sales director, said: “WH Smith and the Post Office have worked together successfully for more than a decade, and our collaboration helps to secure our services on high streets for years to come.

“We’re continuing to respond to unprecedented change on high streets and in consumer trends.

“By adapting to the needs of customers, we’re making sure Post Offices will matter as much tomorrow as they do today - with services available when and where people want them in convenient locations and open for longer hours.

“The vast majority of the Post Office’s network of 11,500 Post Office branches - large and small - are run on a franchise or agency basis with retailers as part of thriving businesses.

“It makes sense to further expand this successful, sustainable way of providing Post Office services to customers.”