THE search is on to find new post office premises after the Co-Op shop in Oak Tree Road announced plans to close in January.

Four part-timers will lose their jobs when the Co-op closes on January 7.

Co-Op bought the lease for the convenience store two years ago but announced its intention to close the Marlow branch due to "poor trading performance".

However, bosses were hopeful a new franchisee would be found quickly and were "making enquiries behind the scenes in the local area."

A spokesman for the Post Office said: "We are exploring all possibilities and are looking for alternative premises, probably in a shop but it has been known for sub-post offices to be run from people's homes, in fish and chip shops and even in the pub, depending on how much demand there is and how much space it requires."

The company says the two post office counters will remain open until February 14, but the Post Office says it has to remain open until February 17 to comply with the three-month notice period it requires from all franchisees.

If it is not replaced, people could face a mile-long walk to the nearest branch in the High Street or in Marlow Bottom to weigh a parcel, pick up their pension, cash a cheque or get their holiday money.

A spokesman for Co-Op said: "The closure decision was taken with the greatest reluctance and much regret."

The Post Office says there is a bus service people can take to other branches in Marlow.

Up to 96 per cent of the country's 14,500 post offices are run on a franchise basis by people with their own premises who are given support, signage and equipment by the Post Office.

Anyone interested in setting up a Post Office franchise or with suggestions for an alternative premises should contact the Post Office on 0845 601 6260.