The Rush Green post office is set to relocate to a nearby newsagents in early March, it has been confirmed.

A move of the existing branch - located at 197 Rush Green Road - was first mooted back in November as part an "ongoing modernisation" of the Post Office network.

Following a consultation with customers, the move has now been rubber-stamped and was officially confirmed this morning (Tuesday, January 18).

The new branch will open at the Evans 2 at 96 Dagenham Road on March 9.

This soon-to-open branch will have two Post Office counters alongside the retail counter, and will offer 17 additional hours of service per week.

Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas has welcomed the news, particularly so because it follows a "real concern last year" that the branch could close completely.

“I’m pleased to see that face-to-face services will be retained in the Rush Green area," said Mr Cruddas.

"It’s good to see that the Post Office have taken this on board and suggested a new option which re-establishes their commitment to the area and ensures local people are not cut off from essential services.”

Opening hours will be 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday.

The existing branch will close at 5pm on Tuesday March 8, with the new branch to open the following day at 1pm.