A SCHEME which could see shops teaming up with post offices could stave off threatened closures in Hyndburn.

The deadline for consultation on the proposed axing of four post offices in Hyndburn has passed.

But when Hyndburn Council sent off their official objections to the closures an idea to keep some of the post office services in the area was included.

The council is asking the Post Office to consider the scheme, which would see nearby shops team up with the post office to supply services, without the overhead costs of running a separate building.

CounTony Dobson, Barnfield representative, spearheaded the idea.

He said: "I have sent off a proposal to Post Office Ltd that allows them to close branches in Hyndburn that are unprofitable on the basis that they would then team up with another neighbouring business to provide post office services on a pay per customer basis.

"A branch would close but it would then re-open in the shop next door. We would get all the services that were provided at the official post office, and the post office would pay for the services on a day-to-day basis as the customer comes in."

In total there are 21 post offices in Hyndburn. The four facing the axe are Union Road and Stanhill Road in Oswaldtwistle, and Nuttall Street and Whalley Road, Accrington.

The scheme would work similar to a business franchise.

If a customer wanted to collect a pension, the shop would be paid for the service. Coun Dobson said: "The post office would do away with the wage for the post master and property costs."

A Post Office spokesman said: "No final decision has yet been taken and all points raised during the consultation process are taken into consideration.

"During this period we met with Hyndburn Council and will take account of all the points made then and any that they have made to us in the subsequent period."