AN offer by Tesco to put what could be thousands of pounds into a street party in Trowbridge has been branded hypocritical and rejected by town councillors.

Trowbridge Town Council says the firm should instead put the money towards saving the threatened Brook Road post office which is due to be converted into a Tesco Express mini-supermarket.

Cllr Jeff Osborn said: "We don't want their money, if they are going to put up money we want it spent on keeping the Brook Road post office open.

"For the same company planning to shut down this much-needed facility to offer to put up money to increase its standing and reputation in the town rather sticks in the throat."

Figures of up to £20,000 have been discussed by councillors for a Tesco-sponsored street fair next year.

The town community development committee unanimously rejected the offer on Tuesday.

Cllr Tom James said: "We are always looking for investment in the town for any events.

"We like putting on events and entertaining the people of Trowbridge but this offer leaves a sour taste in the mouth coming at this time, when Tesco is letting down so many people in the Broadmead area."

Tesco spokesman Steve Gracey said: "We are not aware of discussion on a street party although we would want to make some kind of contribution. We would not expect the store to be able to donate anywhere near £20,000.

"It is a shame that the hard work we have put in to trying to relocate the post office in Trowbridge has gone unnoticed. We have done what we could to relocate it but have been unable to do so."

Councillors have written several letters to the supermarket's head office calling for the post office to be saved.

Tesco has said it does not have the space to incorporate a post office in the Brook Road store and councillors have suggested the money it is offering could be used to fund an extension to provide that space.

The council has yet to receive a response from Tesco to any of its letters.

Cllr Osborn said: "I think they've totally washed their hands of it. I find it most discourteous they didn't bother coming up with a reply."

Tesco Express is also planning to convert a post office in Warm-inster.