PROTESTERS led by their local MP assembled outside a post office after it was threatened with closure.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock addressed dozens of people outside the County Square office in Ulverston before signatures for a petition protesting against the possible closure were collected.

Mr Woodcock said: "I was really pleased with the number of people that gathered at such short notice to make clear just how vital the services are to the town.

"It was great that the Ulverston Labour Party was able to lead on this and we've already got a good number for our petition and we will continue through the week."

When Post Office Ltd announced at the start of the week that Ulverston was one of 37 branches nationwide that had to find a franchise partner or face closure, there was disbelief throughout the town.

Councillors, business officials and residents were shocked a branch which generated so much footfall could be considered a non-viable asset to Post Office Ltd.

Mr Woodcock said: "I can't understand why this post office has been targeted and I want to hear an explanation from Post Office (Ltd) and the government minister (for post offices).

"Ulverston Post Office is regularly busy throughout the week with a high footfall and taking away that service breaks the promise that the government made to communities."

The move by Post Office Ltd to close and franchise 37 branches has been widely condemned.

More than 300 jobs hang in the balance, with a representative of the Communication Workers Union branding it as privatisation by stealth.

Neil Barry, CWU sector representative for the North West, said: "This is back door privatisation. Now they are only interested in making profits. We're calling on the government to intervene and tell us what the long-term plan is and what they have in mind. They don't have a plan to grow the business."

Commenting on this, Mr Woodcock said: "I am sceptical if they will be able to find a partnership. I'm worried this will be closure by the back door."

Mr Woodcock's office has organised an online petition which residents of Ulverston can sign to show their disapproval towards the franchise scheme.

You can sign the petition online at: http://johnwoodcock-labourclp6.nationbuilder.com/save_ulverston_post_office