A LETTER has been written to the government business secretary to enquire about the future of Fairford post office.

Following concerns about the possible relocation of the town's post office, Gloucestershire County councillor Paul Hodgkinson wrote to business secretary Vince Cable on behalf of residents, to ask if the post office could remain as a community branch, staying in its current Market Place location.

Following the announcement that post offices all over the country were undergoing modernisation with longer opening hours, there were worries at the start of this year that if a shop or business in the town could not take on the town's facility, it could disappear.

However the business secretary has said he is fully committed to making sure post offices remained in local communities like Fairford.

And Cllr Hodgkinson has added that he will do whatever he can to see that the post office remains in the town.

"Having fought to keep Rendcomb and Colesbourne post offices open in the last round of closures I know how important it is to keep this service in Cotswold communities. The post office can often be a focal point for towns and villages."

At the moment Fairford post office is being advertised as a main style branch, instead of a community branch, which will see it upgraded, modernised and given longer opening hours.

Fairford sub postmaster Richard Williams, who also runs Bibury Post Office, announced in February this year that he will leave the branch following the transformation as he just could not commit to longer hours.

A spokesman for Fairford Town Council said members could not comment on negotiations between Post Office Ltd and the sub postmaster but that they are keeping a close eye on the situation.

"Post Office Ltd has assured us that the importance of Fairford Post Office to the local community is fully recognised, and that they will be working with the sub postmaster to agree the best model for Fairford," said town clerk Vanessa Lawrence.

"Post Office Ltd has also confirmed that Fairford Town Council, and local people, will be informed of any potential changes. As far as the Town Council knows, Post Office Ltd is obliged to retain a service in Fairford."