ULVERSTON has been left shocked and upset after it was announced a local Post Office was threatened with closure.

Yesterday the Post Office announced it would be seeking partners to take over 37 branches across the country.

Because of a need to cut costs, the Ulverston office, which has been running for more than 100 years, is now in the firing line.

Charlie Rowley, chief executive of Ulverston Community Enterprises, said its loss would be a "double blow" to the community.

He said: "From UCE's point of view one of our precepts is that we want to increase footfall in the town and make Ulverston an attractive place to come.

"Any more shrinking of what's on offer in our town centre is a bad thing and is detrimental to the vibrancy of the town.

If the Post Office leaves its place in County Square, it would be the second high-profile departure from the town.

In November HSBC closed its branch in New Market Street, with some of its operations moving down the road to the Post Office.

Mr Rowley continued: "For local businesses to have that contact taken away, it's a double blow."

There was concern that in times of economic hardship businesses were placing too much importance in profits and bottom lines, rather than what they bring to the town.

Mr Rowley said: "What businesses need to take into account is what they can bring to the town and if it is just about the bottom line Ulverston will cease to be a special place."

Emma Fawcus, who is employed at the Coronation Hall as the marketing manager, has worked in Ulverston since she was 19. She was sad at the prospect of such a busy community hub leaving the town.

She said: "I think it's disappointing. A lot of the customers that come to the Coro use the Post Office. It is like the Coro, as it is a hub.

"I've worked in Ulverston since I was 19 and it upsetting that something that is so well used could go. It's very rare when you go in and there is no queue."

MP John Woodcock condemned the Post Office for putting such a well-used branch in the firing line.

Mr Woodcock has sent a letter to the under-secretary of state for small businesses, Margot James MP, asking for the government to intervene.

In the letter he wrote: "I am writing to you following the alarming news that the Ulverston Crown Post Office is at risk of closure as the Post Office seeks a franchise partner.

"Many people in Ulverston rely heavily on the post office and it is a vital local facility in the town. Ulverston is a rural area with a large elderly population and the loss of the post office would be totally unacceptable.

"I am seeking guarantees that you will ensure that the post office in Ulverston does not close and that local people are not forced to travel miles to access a post office. I would also like you to explain why this post office has been chosen for this process given its clear importance to the local community and the large number of people who use it."

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Read more reaction from the community about the Ulverston post office proposal