The Post Office are proposing to close counters at their Ware Road and Bengeo outlets.

The plans have provoked an angry response from residents, councillors and local MP Mark Prisk.

At the end of a six week consultation by The Post Office, a petition with 3,400 signatures was submitted to Post Office bosses by the Save Ware Road Post Office campaign.

Campaigners say that the shops in Ware Road and Bengeo Street offer a vital services to old and vunerable people, together with those on low incomes. Travelling to the main Post Office in Fore Street is difficult for some and can involve queueing up to 40 minutes.

The closures are part of a 2,500 nationwide reduction by the Post Office to cut costs. The network lost £200m in 2006/7.

A final announcement on the closures is due in mid-September, with closure taking place in October if confirmed.