Coun Peter Callow claims Post Office bosses are being obstructive and uncooperative as the council bids to mount a business rescue plan for Layton's Torsway Avenue branch.

Similar rescue plans in South Shore and Bispham have already been scuppered by the refusal of Post Office Ltd to negotiate with the council.

With less than two weeks to go before the Layton branch closes, council officers were working on the rescue plans on the understanding that the branch would remain open while negotiations continued

But that appears not to be the case, with Post Office confirming that the branch will close on April 30.

The plan, if it comes to fruition, would see the branch take on council services such as the sale of leisure passes, the distribution of leaflets and possibly benefit-related payments.

Coun Callow said: "It's disgraceful the way they are behaving.

"The way they are going about things is obstructive and it feels like we're having to go it alone.

"They don't seem interested in the compromise of us keeping the branch open even if it would mean no cost to them.

"I said about a week ago that their efforts at negotiations could be a sham – well I'm saying now they are a sham.

"We have been working very hard on this and they seem to be playing games with us and the people of Blackpool.

"It's deplorable."

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said: "We are very willing to work with Blackpool Council on their plans to fund a post office service at Torsway Avenue.