RESIDENTS have launched a petition after the sudden closure of a Burnley post office.

Community leaders have started a campaign to get the branch, in Cog Lane, re-opened following the resignation of the sub-postmaster which forced the office to close its doors.

The sudden closure has left residents, especially pensioners, stuck without a post office near their homes.

The nearest branch is on Coal Clough Lane almost a mile away.

The post office has vowed to try and get a new office open as soon as possible.

Community representative Patricia Dolan, who is leading the collection of signatures, said: "We had no notice of what was going to happen and the closure has left a lot of people stuck. We have few enough services in south west Burnley as it is and to lose the post office is just another blow."

Burnley MP Kitty Ussher and council leader Stuart Caddy are backing the petition.

A Post Office spokesman said: "Cog Lane Post Office closed temporarily on March 30 following the resignation of the subpostmaster.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this temporary closure will cause but we're doing all we can to restore service as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, we advise customers to use Coal Clough Lane Post Office, Piccadilly Road Post Office, Burnley Post Office on Hargreaves Street, or any post office of their choice.

"Anyone interested in the subpostmaster vacancy, who must be able to provide suitable, alternative premises, should contact our agency recruitment section on 0845 601 6260."