The Labor MP said it was “vital for local people and its potential closure would significantly impact our community”.

One resident responding to the petition said all three banks in Cosham High Street where he had accounts had already been closed.

They said this meant they made purchases using cash they could withdraw from their bank accounts through the Post Office.

“Closing this branch would be a disaster for us, the elderly,” they said.

Another pensioner responding to Ms Martin’s petition said they visited the Post Office “almost every day” to replace their light switches.

They said: “Losing the post office would mean losing my daily exercise routine and social interaction with others.

“The only alternative would be to rely on my phone, which doesn’t provide the same level of engagement.”

Ms Martin said she planned to “do everything possible to prevent the closure of this beloved local branch”.