It is hoped the new branch will be ready to open in May — three months after the closure of the old post office prompted fears the service might be lost altogether.

The Kinross-based David Sands chain, which has a store in the High Street, applied to take over the service following the retirement of sub-postmaster David Proud earlier this month.

But Auchtermuchty and Strathmiglo Community Council has expressed concern that the Post Office may not have given full consideration to other bids.

David Sands faced competition from the village's Strath Garage — a proposal that enjoyed "significant local support", according to community council chairman David Cowling.

Concerns have also been raised about the range of services that will be provided in the new venue, as well as its size.

The Post Office is now launching a consultation period to seek feedback from customers and local interest groups on the pilot scheme, and Mr Cowling said he hoped the process would be conducted "with an open mind".

Meanwhile, Helen Belford, the Post Office's field change advisor, said the organisation was "delighted" to be able to link up with David Sands in Strathmiglo.

"The success of this trial is, to a great extent, reliant on customers using the branch on a regular basis and we will be reviewing the situation, and any feedback received, over the coming months," she said.

The consultation period will run until April 1.

Read more in the Fife Herald.