Outraged town councillors in Ellesmere have vowed to fight an “appalling” move by Royal Mail to close its sorting office in the town.

Members of Ellesmere Town Council pledged to campaign against the proposals to close the Ellesmere delivery office and transfer the service to Oswestry when they met yesterday.

Royal Mail has said it is reviewing its procedures and was considering closing the office.

Councillors now want to meet with Royal Mail bosses and have said they will launch a petition against the closure – which would mean people needing to collect parcels having to travel to Oswestry.

Councillor Ann Hartley said: “As a town council we owe it to our community to lodge a very strong concern about this and to very strongly fight to maintain this facility. I just think the whole thing is absolutely appalling.”

Councillor Geoff Elner, town mayor, urged people in the town to write to Royal Mail with their views and also to sign the petition.

Royal Mail said nothing was definite as yet.

Jaquie Stenson, Royal Mail spokeswoman, said: “Faced with full competition and declining mail volumes, Royal Mail constantly reviews the operational efficiency and commercial practicality of all our units, including Ellesmere.

“We have no confirmed plans yet, but review the situation on a regular basis.

“As this is a commercial decision for Royal Mail to take it is not something we are required to consult on publicly but we would of course discuss any changes with our people and would be happy to discuss the reasons behind any change with concerned parties.”