LABOUR councillors have started a petition to urge Post Office to keep a counter in Milton after it emerged McColl's will permanently close two stores in Weston. 

Earlier this month, supermarket giant Morrisons announced plans to close 132 convenience stores across the country following a takeover. 

Of those which are to shut their doors, 55 include a Post Office desk.

McColl's in Milton Road houses a counter and is one of the many sites that will face the axe. This has led to ward councillors lobbying the postal company for a remain in the immediate vicinity. 

Behind the push is Cllr Catherine Gibbons, who stands in the area for North Somerset Council.

Weston Mercury: Cllr Gibbons outside Milton Road McColl's.Cllr Gibbons outside Milton Road McColl's. (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "We understand the huge challenges businesses, as well as residents, are facing at the moment. This is very sad and bad news for all the customers and staff involved.   

"The people of Milton depend heavily on the counter and if it were to close, they would be forced to venture further afield either into town or Worle and that's simply not right. 

"I started the petition to try and lobby Post Office so they can remain in the area. I have had many conversations with residents who are not online and are very worried they will be left stranded by the decision.

Cllr Gibbons added: "We're also collecting signatures in person outside the store on the high street."

To sign the petition, visit change.org at www.change.org/p/save-post-office-counter-services-in-milton.

Weston Mercury: Cllr Gibbons takes a signature from a resident. Cllr Gibbons takes a signature from a resident. (Image: Newsquest)

A Post Office spokesperson said: "We will be undertaking a review of the local community to assess the requirements for Milton.

"We cannot guarantee that every branch will be replaced but we will work to ensure there is as little disruption to customers as possible."