THE leader of Burnley Council has pledged to back a boycott of any new business which attempts to take over the running of the town’s main post office.

She made the comments after a public meeting attended by up to 40 residents and members of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU).

They warned Post Office managers that they would encourage residents to avoid using any company which registered interest in moving the Crown branch into their shop.

They claimed firms could compromise the quality of service and reduce staff in a bid to use the franchise to increase their own profits.

Council leader Julie Cooper, who represents the Bank Hall ward said: “This is an issue that the people of Burnley feel very strongly about and I think that, at the meeting, we showed the Post Office bosses that we will not stand aside and let privatisation of our post office go ahead.

“Those at the meeting only represented the tip of the iceberg because I know that everyone I have spoken to in Burnley is against the plans.

“If we allow the service to be privatised we are likely to see a worse deal for customers and staff and I agree that a boycott of a business may be necessary if a sale goes ahead.

“I have heard that in other areas where franchise has already taken place, companies have reduced services, cut staff and pushed them to offer unnecessary and more expensive services.

“The managers present seemed surprised by how clued up residents were and struggled to answer some of their questions.

“As council leader, I urged them to come to us for help in finding an alternative building to house the post office in as I understand that the current premises is far too expensive but I think suitable alternatives are available.”

Burnley’s Crown post office on Hargreaves Street was one of 70 branches nationwide earmarked for franchise earlier this year, representing 20per cent of the network.

When a potential buyer is found, a six-week consultation period will take place to canvass the views of the public.

Neil Barry, CWU regional officer, vowed that employees would strike if a sale went ahead.

He said: “The campaign goes on and we will strike if the post office is taken over because it’s a battle that neither we nor the public can afford to lose.”