SEVEN jobs are under threat in Aberystwyth after plans were revealed that could see the closure of the town centre Post Office.

Calls have been made for Crown Post Offices to reconsider its position on the Great Darkgate Street building, which is one of 39 throughout the UK earmarked for closure as part of an “ongoing review.”

The company said it was seeking to enter into a franchise arrangement with a third party for the running of the Post Office in the town - leaving Aberystwyth’s seven employees facing an uncertain future.

The Post Office said that the Aberystwyth branch is one of its network of large town-centre branches which is losing money.

Consultations have been opened to move operations to other stores in franchise arrangements - with likely candidates being the WH Smith store.

WH Smiths took over a number of closed Post Offices on a franchise basis in 2013.

Ceredigion AM Elin Jones called the news “a worrying development”.

“The Great Darkgate Street building is an iconic location for Aberystwyth’s post office; it would be such a shame to lose it,” she said.

“As anyone who has been in to use the Post Office at busy periods can attest, the Crown Post Office is very well-used by the public, and is a large and accessible purpose-built premises.”

The Post Office said that operations at Aberystwyth and the other 38 sites will go out to tender for 28 days, after which the franchise offers will be reviewed and a public consultation will take place.

Roger Gale, Post Office’s General Manager of the Crown network, said: “We need to continue to make changes to strengthen the Crown network and we have today announced that we are seeking suitable potential retail partners to work with us on providing franchised services for 39 branches.”

The Communications Workers’ Union (CWU), which represents the employees at the Aberystwyth branch, has called the plans “devastating.”

CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: “The proposals disregard the wealth of expertise, experience and sense of pride in public duty which is shared by Crown post office employees."