Ref. 29118-08TESCO has agreed to consider a plan that could save Shaw Post Office from closure.

Last month the supermarket giant announced it was getting rid of the post office in the village centre's One Stop shop to make room for more products.

But, after a spirited campaign by residents, Tesco has decided to study a proposal that would see the store extended to accommodate the existing post office, as well as extra retail space.

The idea is being pushed by local councillors Garry Perkins and Nick Martin.

They said it was likely Swindon Council would support any planning application from the supermarket to increase the size of the store.

Swindon Council owns the land on which the shop is built and the councillors believe it would be viable for the store to expand backwards into its back yard.

Mr Perkins (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) said: "We like to work with people and if this is a solution to everybody's problems then that would be good.

"Tesco would have to go through the normal planning process but I'm sure there are ways it could be given a smoother ride.

"The sooner they do it the fewer problems there have to be.''

Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) said: "The council owns the land and we would look to assist them in increasing the shop size."

Tesco Spokesman Steve Gracey confirmed the superstore would investigate the proposal.

"It is something we would have to look into," he said.

"We wouldn't be in a position to say 'yes, it's 80 per cent viable', or anything like that, because building an extension costs quite a lot of money. But it's an option and one we will seriously consider."

Mr Gracey said he could not give any details about when the company might make a decision on the plan.

Since Tesco revealed it was planning to turn the One Stop shop into a Tesco Express outlet in the summer, residents have collected more than 2,000 signatures against the closure of the post office.

More than 40 people demonstrated outside the shop, brandishing placards and waving petitions.

And, at a public meeting addressed by South Swindon MP Julia Drown, residents raised their voices in support of a boycott if Tesco pushed ahead with the closure.

Now campaigners are hoping for a big turn-out at an area panel meeting with councillors in the Civic Offices at 7pm on March 30, when the matter will be discussed.

Andy Tate