BARROW and Furness MP John Woodcock will kick off his re-election campaign today by stepping up the fight to save Ulverston post office. 

At 1.30pm he will be in Ulverston to lead a team of volunteers in collecting more signatures against the proposed closure of the town’s main post office in County Square.

To date more than 7,000 local people have given their backing to the campaign.

Mr Woodcock will use his Cavendish Street office as a base for the session before meeting market day shoppers and businesspeople in the town centre.

He is also inviting local Labour members, supporters and members of the public to a “Future of Furness” question and answer session in the Forum in Barrow at 6pm Saturday evening. 

Mr Woodcock said: "I am proud to be the first MP ever to have a permanent office in Ulverston and pleased to be kicking off my re-election campaign by stepping up our vital community campaign to save the town's post office.

“This is an election that Theresa May sprung on the country after insisting it would be disruptive to the all-important Brexit negotiations. But now it is here, I am determined to make sure we use the campaign to push for what our area needs."

He added: "Saturday evening will be the first of what I hope will be many opportunities to answer your questions and hear your priorities. Please do come along if you can - I will be making the most of social media to communicate with voters in this election but nothing beats talking face-to-face in a good old-fashioned public meeting."

Saturday's meeting is expected to close at 7.30pm.