NEGOTIATIONS are under way between Post Office Ltd and an Alloa retailer to transfer the Crown Post Office in-store, according to an MP.

Gordon Banks says he has been informed that a preferred bidder has been identified to take over the service currently available in Maple Court.

A six-week consultation exercise will take place before relocation of the branch is confirmed.

The Ochil and South Perthshire MP said, “I am hugely disappointed by this latest development and I will continue to fight tooth and nail alongside members of the local community to prevent this relocation.

“However, it appears as though chances are getting slimmer by the day as this new preferred bidder has emerged, whose identity is shrouded in mystery.

“I have already written to the major retailers in the town and all have denied expressing any such interest in taking over the Post Office. This therefore leads me to believe that a new retailer is planning to come to Alloa and I would urge such a retailer to make their interests known.” Mr Banks plans to meet union officials in the next few days to discuss the development.

A Post Office spokesperson said, “A number of potential retail partners have expressed interest in taking on Alloa Post Office. However, no decision has yet been made about a potential partner for the branch and we are currently in discussions to identify the best way forward to ensure a sustainable service for the future.

“When a preferred franchise partner is identified, we will conduct a local public consultation during which customers and local representatives will be encouraged to provide their views on details of a potential new service before any decisions are made. As part of this process, we will host a public customer forum with all interested parties invited to attend to learn more about the proposed new service.”