EVESHAM retailers and town councillors have vowed to fight to keep the town's post office in the High Street following a local outcry.

Town councillor and owner of Bunty's gift shop, John Stych said: "I have not seen so many angry people in Evesham since the traffic system was moved. We have had old people in tears in the post office and in my shop because of this."

Evesham Chamber of Commerce has organised a referendum, publishing a form for people to register their support in this week's Journal (see Page 2) while the town council agreed on Monday to fight the plans.

The Post Office Network made its controversial announcement last week saying it will close the existing post office and move it inside the Co-op supermarket in Riverside Centre in November in a franchise deal.

Rumours of the move were denied last November when the Post Office pledged consultation before any such decision was made.

At Monday's meeting, mayor Coun Richard Hicks said: "There hasn't been any consultation. We have been lied to as a council and I think that is despicable."

Councillors also voiced concerns about traffic problems caused by the move as, because of the one-way system, people would have to drive through Evesham and along Waterside to get to the Riverside Centre.

They also said it would encourage more people to park illegally in Bridge Street while they used the post office rather than use Riverside's pay and display. They were concerned about the lack of space inside the Co-op, its inaccessibility for elderly people coming into town on buses and the implications for the Royal Mail sorting office at High Street. Royal Mail owns the building and has said it has no plans to move the sorting office.

Sgt Paul Crumpton who was at the meeting said: "My main concern would be the one-way system coupled with extra traffic which is undoubtedly going to try and get into Bridge Street. The police were not consulted."

The town council agreed to write to the Post Office Network, MP Peter Luff who is supporting the campaign and Bill Harkness of Delamere Estates which owns Riverside. It is also urging all local people to swamp the Post Office Network with angry letters.

The Journal has been inundated with letters from Vale people furious about the plan which they say will make the post office less accessible.

Post Office Network spokeswoman Al Fox said the company always took into account local views but believed the Co-op was a suitable place.

She said: "We always listen to what our customers and interested parties say to us but we have taken into account the fact that we want to retain a service in Evesham and this seems to us to be very suitable premises. If there is anything we can do to resolve any problems then we will do so."

n Your letters - page 6.