THE POSTMASTER of a post office in Worcester has assured people that they will not be losing their nearest location.

Over 100 branches owned wholly by the Post Office that have been making significant losses are at risk of closing or being turned into franchises as the company attempts to recover losses.

The list of post offices at threat was released on Wednesday (November 13) and included a branch listed as St John's without any address.

Colin Fitzgerald, postmaster at the office in St John's, said: "We just want to clear up that our post office will not be closing.

"The post office listed as St John's is in Leeds and our location is not at risk.

"About half a dozen people have already contacted me and I know that other people have discussed it.

"The rumours have been spreading like wildfire."

Dan Senter, who was working in the branch when the potential closures was announced, said: "We've had a few people come in who have asked if it's true that we're closing."

St John's Post Office is already a franchise, meaning it will not be affected by the changes.

Up to 1,000 jobs could be lost during the transformation, with Redditch's branch on Alcester Street listed as at-risk.

The Post Office announced their five-year Transformation Plan which will see a £250 million boost to the income of postmasters, while also forming a new Postmaster Panel where serving postmaster can help the business to improve support offered.

Mr Fitzgerald shared his satisfaction with the announcement: "The briefing the chairman gave was quite positive for postmasters.

"They are intent on delivering money back to the branches.

"I'm feeling generally positive about the situation."

A spokesperson for the Post Office said: "As part of the plan, 115 post offices wholly owned by the company that have been making losses will either be franchised out or closed down with money being put towards supporting postmasters and other branches.

"We hope to franchise as many of the locations as possible."