A TRADE union boss has spoken of his fears for the future of a Royal Mail sorting office.

The Echo reported yesterday how Tesco hoped to build a huge superstore on the former B&Q site near Southend Victoria rail station.

The company is also in negotiation to buy the postal sorting office in Short Street, where about 450 people work, although Royal Mail has said it has no plans to leave the site.

John Hunt, the Essex branch secretary of the Communication Workers' Union said: "Outraged is probably the best way to describe how we feel.

"If Tesco moves in, we think Royal Mail will need a new building which will have a detrimental effect on postal jobs and also the community it serves, both customers and businesses.

"We've had only one meeting with Royal Mail since the plans were first revealed in the Echo and they said they had no news for us.

"It's outrageous that our members who have served this town loyally for many years should find out via the press."

Royal Mail spokesman James Taylor said: "Talks continue with Tesco in its proposals for redeveloping a site in Short Street, to include that currently occupied by the mail centre.

"However, there are no current plans and no plans for the removal of Royal Mail operations from the site. We have kept all our people updated on the situation."