Lancashire needs “the correct solution, not the quick one” over post office closures, according to the county council.

A senior member of Lancashire County Council said they are determined to fight the proposed closure of 56 post offices, but directly taking over the post offices is not the best way forward.

County Councillor Doreen Pollitt, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Some councils are considering directly funding some post offices, but I believe there are other ways for us to help areas affected by closure. It is important that we provide the correct solution, not the quick one.

“We need to look at how things could change two or three years down the line, not just in the short term, and consider if we can put anything in place to minimise disruption in the future.

“This is too important an issue to rush. We will consider the impacts of any closures, look at what county council facilities exist in those areas and consider how these could work together to benefit the community.”

Current considerations by the county council include providing certain post office services alongside existing council services, providing public transport to other nearby post offices and ways to involve the private sector.

Councillor Pollitt continued: “Lancashire’s taxpayers have clearly said they want us to spend our money carefully. We must therefore look at how we spend that money to make sure that sustainable and adaptable services can be delivered.

“For around five years we have been monitoring the situation regarding post offices, particularly in rural areas, and we will continue to press the government on this matter.”

All political parties who make up the county council have spoken out against proposed post office closures, which they see as harmful to local communities.

A total of 56 closures in Lancashire are currently being planned by the government.

An announcement is expected on Tuesday 1 April from the government about which branches will face closure.