Ref. 29719-05Protesters gathered outside Tesco, in Octotal Way, to voice their opposition to the supermarket's plans to close a village post office.

About 25 people, including children and pensioners, handed out leaflets urging shoppers to join their crusade to save Shaw Village Post Office. Among them were the area's ward councillors Garry Perkins and Nick Martin (both Con, Shaw and Nine Elms).

Last month the supermarket giant announced it will be closing the post office in the One Stop shop, in Ramleaze Drive, when it converts the outlet to a Tesco Express.

Tesco security guards called the police 40 minutes into the protest. They arrived but took no action.

Keith Williams, the chairman of Shaw Residents' Association, said: "Shoppers have to walk a couple of metres to get round us but if they get rid of the post office villagers will have to walk a couple of miles to get to the nearest one."

The post office is near George Tweed Gardens, a sheltered home in Pilgrim Close that houses about 90 pensioners.

Betty Wells, 70, who lives in the complex, said: "We feel very strongly about this. I occasionally use a walking frame to get around but there are people far more disabled than me living in Shaw who won't be able to get to a post office if our one goes."

Tesco refused to comment.

The matter will be discussed at tomorrow's area panel meeting at 7pm in Swindon's Civic Offices.