A DECISION on the future of London Terrace post office, Darwen, could be finalised within the next three weeks.

A month-long consultation to gather public opinion on its possible closure has ended and now bosses will look at the various concerns to decide whether the post office will be saved.

Darwen MP Janet Anderson and local councillors Eileen Entwistle and Nigel Nuttall met representatives from the Post Office to discuss their concerns, which they believe will leave elderly people stranded or forced to make an extra journey into the town centre.

During the meeting they were told there had been letters of opposition submitted by all of Darwen's Labour councillors, a petition organised by Liberal Democrat councillor Roy Davies and six additional letters from residents.

Mrs Anderson said: "It was a bit disappointing that more people didn't send letters because people won't know about their concerns if they don't voice them.

"Unfortunately they said the petition didn't give any reasons against the proposals or indicate whether the names were of people who actually use the post office.

"We certainly made our objections known and also asked, if the post office did close, if they could improve services at the main post office at the Circus.

"We were given an assurance that an extensive refurbishment would take place at The Circus and additional services would be added."

Nick Moriarty, a spokesman for the Post Office, confirmed that a decision on the refurbishment of the main post office would depend on the decision about London Terrace and also Hollins Grove post office, which had been closed for several months.