Post Office bosses have revealed they are in talks with another Whitstable business about relocating the service from Gladstone Road.

A delegation of politicians and residents met senior staff in London this afternoon following concerns about the aborted move to Budgens supermarket.

During a two-hour meeting, the group were told talks had begun with another potential franchisee despite pleas for Whitstable to keep its crown post office.

But confidentiality agreements prevented the group from learning who are behind the discussions.

Cllr James Flanagan (Lib Dem), who lives in Fitzroy Road, said: "They are talking to somebody but they cannot reveal who that is, nor can they reveal any more details in terms of timings.

"As a delegation we have agreed to keep an open line of communication. We made it clear we would like to see the retention of the crown post office."

While Harbour ward councillor Phil Cartwright added: "It was a very honest and open discussion.

“They told us they are in consultation with a prospective franchisee and we said the best place for the service is where it currently is.

“We are now looking for an agreement which is suitable for the people of Whitstable.”

Green Party parliamentary candidate Stuart Jeffery said: "The main concern is the post office is not doing their homework on the potential franchisees.

"They are not looking at the detail, they are going after the savings. There will be job cuts which they haven't been transparent about which means the service is going to decline."

Other members of the delegation include Labour parliamentary candidate Hugh Lanning and residents Julie Wassmer, Chris Stone and Mary-Jane Higginson.