CUSTOMERS of two post offices on the brink of closure fear their community is under threat.

The end of Winnington and Leftwich post offices was announced last week as part of a shake-up for the UK's 9,000 urban post offices, a third of which will close by the end of 2004.

A consultation period lasts until December 2 but reprieve for the threatened offices seems unlikely.

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said: "We would need some robust arguments to alter the decision. It wouldn't be based on the fact that 1,000 people signed a petition - it would be based on the issues raised."

Tearful Terri Washburn, aged 58 of Penrhyn Road, Winnington, said: "I'm so shocked. They pick the places that have got the least facilities. We haven't got a community centre here and the post office provides a community point where people can meet and catch up on local news.

"I suffer from osteo-arthritis and some days I have a job just getting out of bed. I've no idea where I'll go in the future because I totally depend on this post office."

Morag McGinn, aged 41, of Burnside Way, Winnington said: "The post office is a big part of the community and Castle is a long way away. It's a lovely feeling to come into the post office and there is a real sense of community."

In March 2002, sub-postmasters of urban post offices were asked by Post Offices Ltd about their intentions for the future and were offered a compensation package if they chose to leave their jobs.

Graham Moore of Post Offices Ltd said: "Unfortunately many people seem to think that offices should be there for the sake of it but a post office is a business for the person running it."

For Winnington sub-postmaster Ray Plant, aged 65, the closure signals the end of an era. After working in the Winnington Lane branch for 27 years he said: "I'm at retirement age and taking the compensation package suits me as much as anything else. There are too many offices for less work than there used to be. If half my customers go to the nearest post offices, it makes them more viable."

Barbara King, sub-postmaster at Leftwich refused to answer any questions about why she nominated Leftwich for closure but the spokesman for Post Office Ltd said: "As you're aware this national closure programme is a difficult time for sub-postmasters. They've weighed things up and decided not to carry on."

Customers from Leftwich are advised to use Davenham Post Office, half a mile away or the main post office in Northwich. Winnington customers are also being advised to use the main post office or Castle Post Office, a mile away.

ecummins@guardiangrp.co.uk