A CAMPAIGNING councillor has welcomed a Post Office proposal to replace its branch in a town centre.

St Andrew ward Conservative Cllr Sara Britcliffe expressed concern when it emerged the central outlet at McColls, in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, was closing.

She led the campaign to ensure it was replaced with another town centre branch to avoid elderly customers facing a trek to the nearest alternative outlet in Thwaites Road.

On Friday the Post Office revealed it was proposing to switching operations from McColls to Thrifties, further along Union Road.

Cllr Britcliffe said: " I am very pleased to hear that the Post Office has proposed to open a service at Thrifties.

"Whilst it is great that this is happening I also hope that the Post Office will recognise that it will be beneficial in the future to open another in the close proximity of the former branch as it is directly in the centre of Union Road is surrounded by businesses and within easy access for many of our elderly residents.

"This in turn would mean more people visiting Union Road and would benefit our local business’.

"Oswaldtwistle is very community-orientated Union Road is thriving with successful independent businesses. I feel strongly about working to continue to make Oswaldtwistle to be proud of."