SUPERMARKET giant Tesco is to consider whether it can use its Barry store as a base for a closure-threatened post office.

Tesco chiefs are to examine whether it could host the Highlight Park branch, on its premises next door, after LloydsPharmacy said it planned to end the service – currently house in its branch – at the end of this year.

The office was due to close at the end of this month, but following intervention from Vale MP Alun Cairns and a meeting held between post office and pharmacy representatives, the popular branch earned a temporary reprieve.

The Post Office, which wants to retain the branch in the neighbourhood, had appealed for other retailers in the area to make themselves known if they were able to assist with the valued service.

Following the meeting, last month, Vale MP Alun Cairns contacted Tesco chief executive officer, Dave Lewis to see whether the Sterling Road store was a viable option.

Mr Cairns said: “I am very grateful to Tesco for agreeing to consider the viability of a post office within the Tesco store in Highlight Park. I am working with the Post Office and Tesco to try and find a positive outcome for residents. Tesco can now look at the potential of a post office on site, and I am hopeful that if we can demonstrate the potential in the area and the strength of local feeling then both Tesco and the Post Office can look upon it favourably.

“The Post Office is an essential service, in particular during the run up to Christmas. I will remain in dialogue with all stakeholders with an interest in the saving postal offices in Barry.”