AN MP has stepped up the campaign to try to save a town centre post office.

Earlier this month it was announced the central Oswaldtwistle branch would close when McColl’s supermarket in Union Road shuts in February.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones has written to Post Office Ltd nationally, the minister responsible for its operations Kelly Tolhurst and McColl's calling for e rethink.

He has been backed by local Labour councillors Stewart Eaves and Glen Harrison.

Mr Jones said: “The closure of McColl’s and the Post Office will be a real loss for Oswaldtwistle. As one of the town’s most prominent retail spaces, McColl’s is an ideal location to house both services.”

St Andrew’s ward’s Cllr Eaves said: “Oswaldtwistle needs the McColl’s building to be either kept open or a new company takes it over as soon as possible. The town needs a second Post Office. It is unfair to expect Oswaldtwistle residents to go all the way to Spar on Thwaites Road, especially the elderly.”

St Oswald’s wards Cllr Glen Harrison said: “This is a real blow.”

A Post Office Ltd spokesman has promised to look for an alternative town centre location.