More than 1,000 people have backed a petition to “save” Sidcup Post Office as plans emerge for redevelopment.

The Post Office in Sidcup High Street will close next month and plans have been submitted this week to turn the building into flats.

The council has hinted previously that a post office could be co-located with a new library and cinema development planned for the Blockbuster store, however no new location has been confirmed.

This week a petition has been launched calling for the Post Office to find a suitable location for services.

The petition reads: “In Sidcup the current accessible Post Office on the High Street, serves the needs of the whole community. Visit it on any day and at any time and it will be busy.

“Customers are dealt with speedily and efficiently by trained staff who know how to handle all our post office needs.

“We are calling on the Post Office to actively search for a new Postmaster and accessible High Street location for Sidcup Post Office.”

Plans submitted this week would see the store redeveloped into three new flats.

It comes following a letter from MP James Brokenshire to the Post Office expressing his concern of the town losing vital services.

He said earlier this year: ” I recognise the importance of Post Office services to Sidcup which is reflected in the number of people who use the existing branch.

“I will maintain pressure on the Post Office to prioritise a replacement branch established to ensure the minimum disruption for local residents.”

The decision to close the post office follows the resignation of the branch’s postmaster, coupled with the landlord’s decision to not let the building to Post Office from June 28.

When contacted for comment earlier last month, a Post Office spokesman said the company will be trying to lease the space but services will be temporarily closing.

The petition can be seen here.