A public meeting to discuss the Whitstable post office will take place later this month after concerns raised for its future.

Lib Dem councillor James Flanagan says a number of residents have called for the meeting after speculation the service is set to leave Gladstone Road.

But Post Office bosses have declined to attend the forum telling Cllr Flanagan they will conduct their own consultation before any decision is made.

The branch is one of a number of UK crown offices earmarked for closure with the Post Office looking for retail partners to set up franchise offices.

The closures are opposed by the Communication Workers Union who have previously warned closing Whitstable's post office will lead to a "ghost town".

Cllr Flanagan says questions needed to be asked to both the Post Office and the CWU before any process to move the service from Gladstone Road begins.

He said: "Sadly, the Post Office Ltd have declined the invitation, saying they are still in discussion with possible franchisees in town for post office services.

"Post Office Ltd have said they will conduct their own consultation on a 'potential new service' before decisions are made.

"However, it is important to make the Post Office aware of just how important the service in Gladstone Road is to Whitstable, and to raise concerns before this process begins.

"So, we will continue with a meeting and make proper note of the public's views which will then be sent to the Post Office."

Chris Stone, who campaigned with postal workers to try to save Whitstable's Royal Mail delivery office in Cromwell Road, added: "I would urge everyone who can to come along to this meeting to show the Post Office that Whitstable won’t just roll over and give in.

"We’ve already lost our delivery office, let’s try and ensure they don’t take any more services away from our town."

The meeting will take place at 7pm on Monday, September 29 at St Peter's Church in Sydenham Street.