Council bid to save post office

The Post Office said it was willing to work with councils

A council in Sussex has asked the Royal Mail if it can help to save an ailing local post office.

The Old Town post office in Hastings, which makes an annual loss of £956, was proposed for closure in January.

The leaders of the three main political parties on Hastings Borough Council have asked Royal Mail for a reprieve while negotiations take place.

In a statement, Post Office Ltd said it was willing to listen to funding proposals from local councils.

It added: "Any proposals will need to demonstrate ability to provide premises, staff, and crucially, sufficient funding," it said.

"We also have to consider potential effects on other post offices in the area as we cannot endanger those businesses."

Conservative councillor Peter Pragnell, Labour councillor Jeremy Birch and Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Stevens said the were united in their bid to save the post office.