A town centre's Post Office that was set to close by the end of the year could soon have a temporary new home.

The facility at Paydens Chemist in Rochester High Street, could be moving into the local community hub if an alternative building isn't found.

Last month the franchise owners confirmed they would be pulling out of running the service from November.

The family-run business took on the Post Office operation when the central office near Star Hill closed as part of nationwide cutbacks.

They currently handle parcels, a foreign exchange as well as a banking facility – the only one for the town's residents.

A petition was also set up to try and land it a new home, with councillors standing outside the building on Friday, January 13, to grab signatures.

Former minister for postal affairs Kelly Tolhurst, MP for Rochester and Strood, has previously supported the effort and is said to be actively involved.

Now, Medway Council and Royal Mail have confirmed they are in discussions about using Rochester Community Hub if a new venue is not found.

Cllr Alex Paterson, who represents Rochester West, posted an update yesterday morning on Facebook.

"We can now confirm there will be continuity of service after Paydens Pharmacy hands back the franchise in November," he said.

"The Post Office has agreed to run a 'pop-up' facility inside Rochester Hub Library, in the event that the new franchise is not in place in time.

"We understand there have been five expressions of interest made to the Post Office so far, with two of those options considered to be particularly strong contenders.

"That is good news, and reflects the potential for the new franchise to be a successful business, given the significant public interest shown and the hundreds of residents who have signed our petition so far."

The franchise advertisement online closes on Thursday, July 13, which he adds is "potentially too long to wait for action".

Dee O'Rourke, assistant director of culture and community at Medway Council, said: "We understand the importance of having a Post Office in Rochester High Street.

"We are in early discussions with them about the possibility of setting up a temporary Post Office in Rochester Community Hub, if they are unable to find a suitable franchisee before the current Post Office closes in November."

A Post Office spokesperson commented: “We have interest from local retailers and talks are at an early stage.

'We have interest from local retailers and talks are at an early stage...'

“An initial meeting has been held with Medway Council and the authority has indicated there’s a possibility of allowing us to operate a temporary Post Office from Rochester Library if we do not have a solution ready by November.

"We are very grateful to the council for this interim offer.”

The Rochester Community Hub is less than 200 yards from the town's current Post Office and is used as a adult education centre, library and for family events.

The nearest Post Office branches include North Street in Strood, Spar in Maidstone Road, Rochester and Military Road in Chatham.