AN appeal for backers to join a bid to buy Haslemere’s West Street Post Office building – in order to save the service – was made by former mayor Brian Howard, this week.

Concerned that Haslemere will find itself without a branch, when the lease on the West Street building expires at the end of June, Mr Howard issued a call to arms for residents to take matters into their own hands.

Protests that the Post Office had left the town of Haslemere “very low on its priority list” were made by the town’s Chamber of Commerce in March, when it was confirmed the West Street branch would close at the end of June – unless a permanent postmaster could be found.

Haslemere’s other branch in Wey Hill closed over a year ago when M&S took over the former Co-op store, in Lion Green.

Negotiations with the Post Office to reopen a branch in neighbouring Haslewey Community Centre are still on-going.

Frustrated by the closure of the West Street branch on both Maundy Thursday, and Easter Saturday, “due to circumstances beyond our control”, Mr Howard has urged anyone who cares enough to help “sort” the problem to pledge funds and offer to buy the building from the agent.

He said: “I don’t believe there aren’t other people who might be interested in investing some money in a business that would potentially pay a better rate of interest than the bank.

“I’m happy to make a loan as my contribution. It just needs a core of like-minded people.

“No amount of ‘whingeing’ about the Post Office will change anything, they are a poorly managed organisation – and frankly, when push comes to shove, they don’t care about Haslemere.There is hope if, in this community, we pool our strengths and resources. But we have no time to waste. I am keen to find others willing to contribute their skills and energy.

People can email brianhoward@hasle

mere.com.