COUNCILLORS have vowed to do all they can to save post offices set to close in Blackburn and Darwen.

A motion has been passed by the full council "deploring" the decision to close the Sunnyhurst branch in Darwen.

And it called upon council officers to investigate whether Blackburn with Darwen council could take over the service.

The amended version, which was passed, criticised Darwen's Labour MP Janet Anderson for voting in parliament against a bid to suspend the closure programme.

Blackburn with Darwen bosses have previously ruled out taking over post office services - a scheme first put forward by Essex County Council.

But at a full council meeting council leader Colin Rigby said discussions were ongoing with Lancashire County Council to see what could be done.

As well as Sunnyhurst, the branch on Preston New Road, Blackburn, has also been the subject of protests. Blackburn MP Jack Straw voiced his opposition to those plans, but was then criticised for opposing the Conservatives' suspension plans.

Liberal Democrat leader David Foster tabled the amendment to the motion put forward by Sunnyhurst Labour member Dave Smith.

The amendment added: "The council regrets the decision of our local MP to vote against proposals that would have suspended the compulsory closure of the office."

For Darwen leader Tony Melia called on Labour councillors to "condemn" their MPs for supporting the closure programme.

But Coun Smith said: "People are talking as if this would have saved the post offices. It wouldn't. The motion would not have stopped the closure programme, it would have suspended it.

"There was no extra cash being provided and it would have made no difference."

Members of the ruling Conservative, Liberal Democrat and For Darwen alliance supported the amended motion at the meeting.

Labour members abstained.