A LIFELINE could be thrown to Burnley’s closure-threatened Crown post office by the council.

Campaigners are fighting to save the iconic building in Hargreaves Street after it was placed on a list for potential closure.

If councillors agree officers will have talks with Post Office bosses to try to find another site or in a council-owned building as long as that would save the post office’s Crown status and retain all its services.

Councillors carried out a review of the proposal by Post Office Ltd to find retail partners for 70 of its Crown post office branches. Opponents claim the move will reduce the service to local people.

Coun Shah Hussain, executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “This is about saving post office services for our residents.

“We don’t want to see Burnley’s main post office downgraded. It provides a wide range of vital services to local people and we need to make sure those services are kept running.

“The council’s economic regeneration scrutiny committee reviewed the proposal to move the post office from Crown status to a franchise outlet and the committee came to the conclusion that there was real danger that customers could suffer as a result.

“We don’t want that to happen and the council will do what it can to make sure post offices services in Burnley are retained.

“We believe that moving the main post office to another town centre location will save services and jobs, provide an opportunity for the Post Office to offer a wider range of services, and ensure the best possible services for customers.”