STRATFORD Post Office is set for a new look next year when a mini supermarket is installed next to the traditional counters in a bid to keep the office open.

The post office in Henley Street will continue to be the town's main office but will feature a Spar convenience store as the post office tries to boost profits.

The store, like many of the larger outlets in the post office chain, has been threatened with closure because of falling profits and it is hoped convenience store will encourage more shoppers in. The conversion of the Post Office will cost "hundreds of thousands of pounds" according to head of PR Mike Doulton, who could not reveal the exact figure.

"Contrary to most people's perception, it is the larger town centre post offices that are also suffering falling levels of profits not just the small rural ones," he said.

The post office has suffered as more services become available online or by post but the Stratford store has also been hit by the pedestrianisation of Henley Street.

Councillor Charles Bates told Stratford Town Council on Tuesday that the office has suffered because cars can no longer park outside, which discourages disabled and elderly customers from making the journey.