A POTENTIAL site for a new Post Office for Portishead has been identified in the Village Quarter.

Royal Mail is investigating the possibility of locating a Post Office Local in a space at Phoenix Way which is currently occupied by Chocolate One.

The unit is owned by Yvonne Dutton, who opened the shop three years ago.

But due to ill health Mrs Dutton was forced to lease the space to new tenants who have continued to run the hand-made chocolate business.

The lease on the shop expires in April and it is not known whether the current tenants are to renew the agreement.

In the meantime Royal Mail chiefs have confirmed they are considering whether the shop would be suitable for a second post office in the town.

A suggestion was made to the town council the shop could be used.

The town council then passed Mrs Dutton's details on to Royal Mail as a possible potential site for a new post office.

A spokesman for Royal Mail, said: "Post Office Limited continues to explore the possibility of providing an additional post office service in the Portishead area.

"The focus of the search remains in the marina area of the town due to the development that has taken place.

"When introducing new services to the post office network we need to make ensure there is sufficient footfall to sustain a service and that there would be no adverse impact on nearby branches.

"We are in the early stages of evaluating a potential location."

Bosses at Post Office Ltd agreed last year to join forces with the town council in an attempt to find a venue for a second outlet on the eastern side of the town.

Portishead Town Council wrote to Royal Mail Group, which is responsible for Post Office Ltd, last year asking for extra counters to be opened in the town following complaints from residents.

People said they were often left queuing onto the High Street while waiting to access the post office, which is currently based at McColls.

Some residents who have tired of waiting have even been forced to travel to other towns and villages to use post office services.

Portishead Town Council clerk Martin Dolton said: "We have been approached by a commercial concern in Portishead and we have passed these details to Royal Mail.

"In the meantime we are seeking a further meeting with Royal Mail to see if we can move forward the issue of the second post office in the town."