LIB DEM councillor for Leigh, Carole Mulroney, reassured residents that there are no plans to close the town’s post office, in Rectory Grove.

Mrs Mulroney contacted the post office which informed her there is no closure programme and a partnership arrangement is being explored.

Mrs Mulroney said: “My focus is to ensure post office services remain at the heart of Leigh and to safeguard jobs. I fought hard when our library was under threat and I will do so again if the plan the post office puts forward takes away services we currently enjoy in Leigh.”

Southend Labour has been campaigning to keep the post office open, holding days of action and protests. Martin Berry, a Labour spokesman said: “We are aware the post office has started to look for a partner to take over but may well decide to close if a suitable franchisee can’t be found.

This is not a party political campaign and we had hoped all parties would defend any changes and campaign against them.”

The post office confirmed that if a partner is found, services would stay the same, although the location may move to a different building within Leigh.

A post office spokesperson said: “We will take time to identify the right partner for Leigh branch over the coming months.

“Our proposals will be subject to local consultation.”