A campaign has started to safeguard the future of Keighley’s main post office.

Community leaders have spoken out against the threatened loss of the Towngate branch, next to the bus station.

And union members, who picketed outside the premises on Saturday, have begun a petition.

Last week it was revealed that Post Office bosses were reviewing the future of the loss-making branch and seeking a partner retailer to ensure its long-term viability.

Councillor Steve Pullen, chairman of Keighley Area Committee, joined the protest on Saturday.

He said: “We are in danger of losing a service that people have had for years. We have already lost a lot of village post offices – where are folk going to go?”

Coun Pullen (Lab, Keighley East) urged more people to use the branch.

“There are things like renewing your tax disc, which can now be done online, but the fact is if people do not use the services at the local post office – and support their village shops – those facilities will go.”

David Bowmaker, territorial representative for the Communication Workers Union, said the franchising of the post office would be a nail in its coffin.

He said Saturday’s protest received overwhelming support from the public, with the petition gaining about 500 signatures in two-and-a-half hours.

“There are 13 CWU members working at this post office and all of them backed the strike action,” said Mr Bowmaker.

Mr Bowmaker warned about the potential impact of any closure on the community.

“It’s not just about the people who use the post office, it’s also about the businesses round here that get trade off the back of it,” he added.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said a post office was needed in the centre of town and “we must do what we need to do to secure that”.

“How that post office is configured is a matter for management to work out, but it is obvious that the present model is not sustainable,” he added.

“I will continue to take a close interest in the situation as it develops and speak to all parties concerned."

Post Office chiefs have revealed that at the Towngate site it costs just over £2 to generate every £1 of income, a situation they say cannot continue.

But the company said no decisions had been made, and any move would be subject to a six-week public consultation., and pledged to maintain a service.