There are fears that 35 of 52 island post offices could be under threat

If post office bosses on the island go ahead with the plan, the county would have its own stamps and franking.

Members of the Isle of Wight National Federation of Sub-Postmasters (NFSP) branch have voted to form an independent business association.

The move was prompted by fears 35 of their 52 post offices are under threat.

The sub-postmasters will also look at a range of proposals including setting up their own collection, sorting and delivery service.

Sub-postmasters on the Isle of Wight are of course entitled to their opinion Colin Baker, NFSP general secretary

Rodney Archer, the secretary of the island branch, said: "We are perfectly placed on the island to do it and for post offices to regain their place at the hub of their communities.

"The island having its own separated post-boxes would bring to an end the ridiculous and environmentally unfriendly practice of island mail being taken to Portsmouth, Guildford or Reading to be sorted then brought back."

Colin Baker, NFSP general secretary, said: "I sympathise with sub-postmasters everywhere with their current difficulties and sub-postmasters on the Isle of Wight are of course entitled to their opinion.

"I am sure there may be opportunities for mail and cash to stay on the Isle of Wight rather than be sent to Portsmouth for sorting and then sent back to the island again.

Our quality of service is the best on record. We have no plans whatsoever for widespread closures Royal Mail spokesman

"But I am also sure that sub-postmasters on the Isle of Wight would not want to declare independence from Royal Mail.

"We want to work with the Government and Post Office Limited to find a post office based solution to the challenges that face the network."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "On the Isle of Wight, 270 postmen and women serve 140,000 addresses, six days a week, and they will continue to carry out this vital work for the community.