THE future of Bolton's main post office is in doubt, it has emerged.

Post Office bosses are looking to hand over the running of the service to a franchise and the move could mean services moving elsewhere in the town centre.

The Post Office released a statement after concerns began circulating about the Deansgate branch's future.

If the branch closes it means another key town centre building will be left empty.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: "The vast majority of our 11,500 Post Office branches, both large and small, are operated on a franchise or agency basis, which is a successful model.

"We are looking at the possibility of a franchise arrangement for our branch in Bolton because this would ensure the branch is sustainable into the future, safeguarding our services for years to come.

"When there are detailed proposals for the Bolton branch we will hold a six-week public consultation to enable people to give their views before we make a final decision.

"It’s important to underline that the Post Office’s strategy is to increase the availability of our services for customers and protect them into the future and franchising is one of the ways we are able to do this."

The spokesman said they understood concerns of the public — but stressed that when this had been done in other towns, no services currently provided are removed and remain key branches in the area, even if not in the same building.

He added: "There will be a six-week public consultation on detailed proposals in due course, but we’re looking at managing the Bolton branch in a different way, not reducing services.

I would stress that the majority of post offices, including large branches, are run as franchise arrangements.

"When franchising branches we normally continue to provide the same services."

The town centre has seen a number of its iconic buildings left empty.

These include Beales department store, Prestons. The former BHS premises remain empty and most recently Costa Coffee vacated its Victoria Square premises.

Central Secretary of CWU Greater Manchester Branch, Jim McNicholls confirmed the union, which represents communication workers, did have members at the Deansgate branch and he had been made aware of the rumours.

Mr McNicholls said: "We're not happy about the lack of consultation and the public losing another town office in Greater Manchester.

"When a town office closes the footfall in town centres falls, it's not helpful to other high street businesses."

He said staff had found out through a 'rumour' and had been 'drip fed' information.

Mr McNicholls said: "What offices are nearby for staff to relocate to?

"The nearest is probably Prestwich or Wigan and the staff are not all going to be able to relocate, it's not a good situation.

"Franchises normally have their own staff and not all current staff will want to relocate as the terms and conditions won't be as good."

The building in Deansgate is owned by the Jersey-registered Makan Investments Limited and rented to the Royal Mail.

Makan Investments Limited bought the building for £2.15 million in 2006.

Bolton Council is looking at regeneration for part of Deansgate as part of its £1 billion town centre masterplan. However a spokesman for the council said the Post Office building does not form part of the masterplan.