A Merton post office is one of 70 set to partner with retailers in a bid to stem a £40m annual loss. 

The Crown Post Office in Amity Grove Road, Raynes Park is currently inviting retailers interested in partnering with the branch to come forward. 

Crown Post Offices are owned solely by the Post Office and make up three per cent of its portfolio, but are currently making a loss of £40m per year.

Should a retailer come forward, the Raynes Park Post Office will be subject to a six week public consultation.

The Post Office has said this is not a closure programme and promised that, should a company not come forward, there would be no change to the service with no compulsory redundancies planned.

Staff contracts would automatically be transferred to the new retailer. 

A spokesman for the Post Office said: "Raynes Park Crown Post Office has been identified as a branch that could potentially be partnered with a retailer - it will be subject to a six week public consultation to gather the views of the local community.

"We are committed to having a Post Office branch within the area."

Kevin Whincup, a Raynes Park resident, said the move could be a positive step for Raynes Park, but was mindful should a retail partner not be found.

He said: "If that is the case then that could be a good thing for Raynes Park.

"But I hope that if that doesn’t happen, the post office won’t just be closed."

"It’s a vital service to the community.”

There are currently 3,000 Post Office branches in the UK which have been partnered with retailers including WH Smith and the Co-Op.