13323/2GAZETTE & HERALD: THE Gazette has reacted to the shock news that Chippenham's main post office could close and become part of a convenience store by launching a campaign to save it.

Post Office Ltd said it is in negotiations with Primeco Ltd to take over the management of the 55-year-old post office in Market Place in January 2005.

It has pledged there will be no loss of services, but the deal, which would include the inclusion of a mini-market, has left the 13 workers with an uncertain future.

They were told just minutes before the news was made public at 9am on Thursday.

They have been told they would be offered work at other branch offices in Wiltshire, which could include Melksham, Trowbridge or Swindon, but if they wished to stay in Chippenham, they would have to reapply to Primeco for their jobs.

Staff have met with their union representatives to discuss the proposals, which go out for public consultation until August 5, when the Post Office will make its final decision.

An office worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The news took everyone by surprise, but we haven't really had time to digest it yet.

"At a staff meeting on Thursday we were told they would find us jobs, but if they can't then we will be surplus to requirements and I guess that could lead to voluntary redundancies.

"It's going to be a huge wrench for me and everyone who has been at the offices for years. It's an institution."

Darren Morgan, Chippenham's union representative of the Communication Workers' Union, has worked at the office for eight years.

He said staff were still reeling from the decision, but said the branch may fight the proposals if its ten union members agree to take a stand. He said he would be consulting staff about the proposals before deciding what course of action the branch would take.

"We have had reports about possible closures in the past, but this came right out of the blue. There were mixed emotions when it was announced, including a certain amount of anger, but most people were just shocked."

Chippenham Mayor Ross Henning said: "I will be backing the Gazette's campaign wholeheartedly. What is it coming to when one of the biggest towns in north Wiltshire has to close down its main post office?

"It's always busy so how can it be turned into a mini-market with counters. We don't need any more mini-markets in Chippenham."

Sandie Webb, leader of Chippenham Town Council, said: "I'm 100 per cent behind this campaign. We will not lie down without a struggle. We cannot afford to lose the post office as it exists. It's just another example of the erosion of our town."

The Communication Workers' Union representative for the West, Denis Humphreys, said: "We will support this campaign all the way. I fear this could lead to a loss of services to Chippenham. It's also a loss in status, because if the Post Office is pulling out why should other businesses invest in the town?

"We want to know why Chippenham has been picked. There doesn't appear to be any business reason."

North Wiltshire MP James Gray, however, said he would not support the campaign, providing the post office's new partners provide the same services as the existing office.

"As I understand it, they will be introducing convenience store facilities into the existing post office. They have assured me that the same services that currently exist will continue, and if that is the case, I for one have no objections to convenience store facilities being made available."

A spokesman for the Post Office refused to confirm or deny whether the changes would lead to job cuts, but promised the proposed changes would not lead to a loss of services. "Plans are still at the proposal stage so we are unable to confirm any details," the spokesman said.

"However we have a long established track record of managing our people through change, such as that proposed for this branch. Our nationally agreed processes ensure that our people are supported through the change. Whenever possible we try to ensure their preferences for the future are met."

Post Office Ltd said the branch would continue providing pension and benefit payment collection, car tax renewals, passport applications, foreign cash exchange.

It promised the same number of serving positions would be provided. It also said opening hours on Saturday would be extended to 5.30pm.