Porthleven could be about to lose its post office, with plans gone in to turn part of the building into a holiday let.

Owners Paul and Sharon Edwards have made no secret of the fact that the business has been struggling since Post Office Ltd removed the sub-postmaster's salary three years ago and extended opening hours.

Now they have submitted a planning application to Cornwall Council for a change of use from shop to living accommodation.

Details accompanying the plans state that the couple hope to convert the existing shop into a holiday let, in order to provide income while they continue to live above.

The statement adds: "A few years ago the stores were forced to incorporate the post office within the shop area which, unfortunately, has had an adverse affect on the running of the business.

"Despite community support, input and assistance, the situation has been getting no better. Prolonged efforts to sell the business as a going concern or letting the space to an alternative business have not proved successful."

Converting the shop into a new business would prevent them from having to sell the building, including their home, it says.

The wide shop doors would be replaced with a standard door, with domestic windows added to match the ones above.

Paul and Sharon have run the post office for the last 12 years, but admitted last August that they had run into financial difficulties.

They described losing the sub-postmaster's salary as "the nail in the coffin," adding: "A year's salary from them really helped with the staff cost for a year. Being forced to work double the amount of hours but for no salary, that's going to have a knock on effect."

Paul was forced to sell his car to pay one bill and even used their £45,000 savings, meant to have been their pension, to pay off some of their creditors.