Swindon Councillors have condemned Tesco for threatening to close Shaw Post Office and have thrown their weight behind a campaign to save it.

They have also agreed to set up a task force to investigate the likely effects of a national closure programme that could see a third of Swindon's sub-post offices axed.

Coun Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) said the vote to support Shaw was significant.

"It's important councillors are behind the campaign because it gives a clear steer to council officers, who have to do business and have to deal with large corporations, as to the view the members take," he said.

Keith Williams, chairman of Shaw Residents' Assoc-iation, welcomed their support.