THE Post Office are looking for applicants for a new franchise to launch in Kilwinning.

It comes little over a month after the news that the town centre's only Post Office counter has been earmarked for closure.

The McColl's store in Main Street, which houses the facility at present, is one of 132 McColl's stores across the UK that is to be closed under the plans unveiled by Morrisons, which bought its rival for £190m in a rescue deal in May.

No official closure date for the Main Street store has been announced as of yet - though it is unlikely this will happen until 2023 as Morrisons confirmed stores with a post office counter will not shut up shop until after the busy Christmas period.

Though it looks like the Post Office are keen to replace the counter whenever it does close, with the company seeking a new franchise in the town.

The advert, which is detailed as Kilwinning Post Office, 110 Main Street, says they are "seeking applicants to set up brand new Post Offices in this area".

It continues: "Post Office Ltd is looking for a successful retailer to incorporate a Post Office Main into their existing or proposed business.

"(This would be) a dedicated Post Office area, a full range of services. The exact layout and design will be agreed with you to suit your business."

The estimated Post Office fees for this franchise are in the range of £44,550-£49,500 per annum.

Though the advertisement looking for interest does suggest that the town centre may still have to cope for some time without a Post Office facility.

The closing date for applications is May 2023 - which could prove to be several months after McColl's closes. This, of course, does not include time taken to make a decision and set up the franchise.

However, on a more positive note, the advert may close early if sufficient interest is registered.

The nearest alternative Post Office facility is located on Sundrum Place in Pennyburn.

To view the advert in full, or to apply, visit: tinyurl.com/KilwinningPostOffice.