Kirkcaldy’s closure-threatened post office will remain in the town centre following a meeting between local MP Gordon Brown and Tesco boss Dave Lewis.
Mr Brown had travelled to London with Fife Council leader David Ross and Kirkcaldy area committee chairman Neil Crooks to argue for the retention of the superstore, which houses the facility but is scheduled to shut with the loss of 189 jobs.
Mr Lewis agreed to the post office remaining on site until at least the end of the year while other proposals for Tesco to stay are examined.
Mr Brown said: “There is a concern Kirkcaldy would be reduced to sub-post offices and no main post office but now Tesco has agreed to help the Post Office who will look for a new franchise holder.
“I am pleased that there will continue to be a main post office in the town centre and that Tesco will allow it to continue for the time being on their site.”
Mr Brown said the trio showed Tesco how they could save nearly £1 million and emphasised the growth opportunities within the town.
Mr Ross said the meeting was “positive” but admitted it would be challenging to find a solution to keep the Tesco store open.
He added: “We are ready to enter into any discussions that could retain Tesco and help keep the town centre vibrant.
“They remain quite clear they haven’t changed their decision as yet but they are still willing to work with us to see if a solution can be found.
“I’m still hopeful but it will be difficult.”
Mr Crooks added that a house-building plan which will see 2,500 homes constructed in six years was of interest to Mr Lewis because of the potential extra revenue and footfall which would arrive in the area.
“But what Tesco are saying is that the post office can stay open as long as they have the lease, which runs out in December,” he said.
A spokesman for Tesco said: “We were pleased to meet Mr Brown and remain in contact with him.”