Plans to change Freshwater's The Co-operative store into a Tesco will move forward this autumn, with the temporary closure of the in-store post office counter.

A date has yet to be announced for the month-long closure, but Islanders are being assured it is not a permanent measure.

The planned change of brand for the West Wight's biggest supermarket was first unveiled in June and the swap is expected to be carried out in the autumn.

Employees from the existing Co-operative will also become Tesco staff, under a TUPE agreement.

When it announced the sale of the shop, Southern Co-op said this "will allow the group to focus on its convenience stores, including the store in Avenue Road, Freshwater, which will continue to serve the local community."

As the move edges nearer, Tesco has told the County Press: “The Post Office will close for approximately four weeks, while we fit out the new store.

"We apologise to customers for any inconvenience this may cause and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the new store once it’s ready in autumn.”

A statement from the Post Office points Islanders to alternative branches, while work is taking place.

One is in Yarmouth's Quay Street (open 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday) and the other is at Totland Bay, operating from The Broadway Inn, from 8.30am until 1pm, Monday to Friday and from 9am to 11am, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, we can comment on plans to change the store's signs via the Isle of Wight Council's website HERE.