THE CAMPAIGN to save Shaw post office is gathering pace and protesters are still fighting to stop Tesco from closing their lifeline.

More than 2,000 signatures have now been collected on the petition against its closure and public feeling remains high.

Last month the residents of Shaw were shocked to discover that Tesco plans to close the post office in July.

The supermarket giant is planning to reopen the shop as a Tesco Express outlet at the end of August, but it says that after a revamp there will be no room for the post office.

The residents many of whom are pensioners from nearby shelter home George Tweed Gardens swung into action, organising a petition and public meetings to rally support.

Just two weeks into the campaign last month, around 50 people attended a public meeting to discuss what action should be taken.

Jean Waller, 64, who has been one of the campaign's key organisers, said: "The initial shock when we first heard the post office was to close has now turned to anger.

"I know that a lot of people in the area, not just the pensioners, are very angry about the situation.

"People have expressed their surprise that Tesco would do something so greedy. It really is just about greed.

"We have public meetings planned and are still hopeful we can make a difference.

"Many of the elderly just do not know how they will manage without a post office nearby."

If the post office does close, the nearest one would be Asda in the West Swindon Centre, which is about a mile away.

Campaigners wrote to their MP, Julia Drown, to ask for her help and now she is adding her voice to the appeal.

Ms Drown said: "I support the Shaw residents who rightly want to keep their post office open. I am pushing both Tesco to retain the post office and am also talking to the Post Office about what action they can take.

"Tesco claims they respond to consumer demand and they have kept post offices in other Tesco Express stores so I would hope they do here too."

Many of the pensioners have written to Tesco, but have not yet had any replies from the company.

Tesco spokesman Steve Gracey said: "My understanding is that the post office is still planned for closure."

Julia Drown will be attending a meeting on Monday 15 at 2pm at the George Tweed Gardens lounge in Pilgrim Close, Shaw.

Anyone wishing to lend their support to the campaign is welcome to attend.

Campaigners against the closure are asking the public to attend an area panel meeting with Swindon councillors in the Civic Offices at 7pm on Tuesday, March 30 when the situation will be discussed.

Objections may also be sent to South Swindon MP Julia Drown, 13 Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 4AS or Tesco chief executive Colin Holmes at T&S Stores PLC, Apex Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS8 7TS.

Emma-Kate Lidbury