THE last Post Office branch on the high street in Oswaldtwistle is set to close next year.

The Union Road post office and the McColl's supermarket it is based in will be closing in February.

But Post Office bosses said they would look to restore services in the town centre as soon as possible.

Shopper Michael Harrison said: “One of the members of staff said they were told on Wednesday about the 90-day notice period that the whole store was closing.

“It is the last remaining Post Office in the town centre as people will have to travel to the Spar supermarket on Thwaites Road for the nearest one.

“It will have a massive impact on the area as not only is it a place for people to post things but it is the last remaining bank in the area where they can draw money out.

“They will have to get on a bus and go along four stops before they can get to the next one."

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle, said: “This is a vital lifeline on Union Road and I would urge the Post Office to look at other locations.

“I know people have complained about McColl's that their prices are too high but it will be sad to see it closing.

“One option may be to open it in the library and I would be willing to talk to Lancashire County Council and officials at county hall to try to see it happen.

“Hopefully someone can take over the Post Office and put it in the town centre."

A Post Office Ltd spokesman: “We can confirm that Oswaldtwistle Post Office is due to close temporarily next year following to the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of premises for Post Office use.

“The branch is run by McColl's who are closing their shop and at the same time has resigned from the Post Office. While we always work hard to maintain Post Office services, from time to time, branches do temporarily close.

“When this happens, we always look to restore services as quickly as possible, as we know how important Post Offices are to communities.

“We will continue to keep the community updated with our plans. Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk or visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk.”

A spokesman for McColl's said: “Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision to cease trading at the McColl's store on Union Road in Oswaldtwistle. The store’s last day of trading will be Wednesday 27th February. We are saddened to no longer be operating the store and our priority has been to support all affected colleagues.”