A PETITION signed by almost 1,000 traders and shoppers in Stourport has failed to persuade Consignia - formerly the Post Office - to set up a new sub post office in the town.

The application to the troubled monopoly for the facility in a Bridge Street newsagents was supported by both Stourport Town Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

The town's post office moved to the new Co-op in Lombard Street from the High Street last November.

At Stourport Town Council meeting on Tuesday councillor David Little dubbed the rejection a shame.

He said: "People coming from across the river have now got to walk all the way down the High Street to Co-op."

A spokesman for Consignia said he was unable to officially confirmthe request has been rejected.

But he added it was highly unlikely it would be granted. "There are six other post offices within a mile-and-a-half so another facility would be economically unviable."