RICHARD and Olive Tovell are fighting an 87 per cent rent increase that may force them to close their post office.

The couple have been running the Prospect Post Office, in Corsham, for 23 years but say the rent increase of nearly £4,000 a year by North Wiltshire District Council may force them out of business.

"We are not living on the fat of the land," said Mr Tovell.

"We bought the business so we could be self-sufficient and not a drain on the national purse."

Customers had been rallying round and the couple have collected more than 300 signatures opposing the rent increase.

"We have built up quite a relationship with the local community," said Mr Tovell. "It would be a serious loss to the community if we have to close.

"We are about a mile from Corsham town centre and a lot of people around us do not have cars. We are the local source of supply."

The council has appointed an agent to act on its behalf and undertake the rent review. The rent is currently £4,000 a year and the proposal is to increase this to £7,800.

A council spokesman said: "The rent is going up as part of a normal rent review process. The council has a duty to maximise the income from its assets and has sought professional advice regarding the increase in rent on these properties.

"The process was started in March 2001, so it hasn't come out of the blue. A business encountering financial difficulties can apply for rent relief."

But Mr Tovell said the steep increase was out of line with inflation and totally ridiculous.

He also said the review was based on facts stating that the post office, which opens seven days a week, had an off-licence but it does not.

"We looked into it but did not do it. We decided it was not worth it and the rent assessment is on the basis that we have one," he said.

The post office is run on a seven-year lease and rent is paid quarterly.

"If we take our net profit for the year and work out the hours we put in we are earning less than the minimum wage," said Mr Tovell. "I understand the council has a duty to maximise the income from its properties but if people go out of business there is no income for the council."

Mr Tovell is to meet with the agent and the council in a bid to fight the rent decision.