A PLANNING loophole could delay Tesco's plans to close post offices in west Wiltshire, two councillors believe.

Terry Chivers and Angie Barker have asked West Wiltshire District Council to investigate whether Tesco needs planning permission to convert post offices now in its control.

Tesco, which has bought out the One Stop Shop chain, wants to replace the post office part of the stores with more shop shelves. The councillors believe this could force Tesco to seek planning permission for change of use from financial to retail.

Cllr Chivers said: "This loophole clearly wouldn't stop Tesco closing post offices but it may delay them. It would mean that Tesco would have to submit hundreds of planning applications across the UK. It is clear that Tesco are hell-bent on closure but we can give them a rough ride."

Cllr Barker said: "Tesco just don't seem to care. They've taken no notice of local protests, we must fight them to the bitter end."