Campaign to save Edward VIII Post Office

The building, which dates back to 1936, is one of a handful to feature the cypher of Edward VIII, who abdicated that December

A campaign is under way to save a high street Post Office, one of only a handful to feature the cypher of Edward VIII.

The Front Street branch in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is among 115 to be put at risk of closure as part of a wider business restructure.

Luke Akehurst, Labour MP for North Durham, said the building, which dates back to 1936, holds "historical significance" due to its links with the king who was never crowned and who abdicated later that year to marry Wallis Simpson.

The Post Office said the company "urgently" needed a "fresh start" as most of its branches were loss-making.

Akehurst has written to CEO Nick Read calling for the branch to be saved, adding that his constituents were concerned the closure would "reduce footfall for other local businesses".

"The Post Office in Chester-le-Street has been at the heart of the community in North Durham since 1936, and offers vital services to my constituents," he said.

"Chester-le-Street has lost most of its high street banking branches in recent years, and it is more important than ever that this vital hub and delivery office remains open and accessible for my constituents."

MP Luke Akehurst has launched a petition to save the Chester-le-Street branch

The shake-up of the Post Office's branch network was revealed by the company's chairman Nigel Railton earlier this month.

The government-owned business has 11,500 branches across the UK.

While most sites are franchises, 115 of them - known as Crown Post Offices - are owned directly by the company.

Under the review, the Crown Post Office branches could be taken over by a new operator, such as WH Smith, or closed altogether.