BOSSES have confirmed 24 East Lancashire post offices are to be closed.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed yesterday that a quarter of the area's 96 offices faced the axe, with MPs and councillors claiming the move would "tear the guts out of the community".

Royal Mail had refused to comment, but it has now confirmed the news, with bosses admitting it will cause anxiety to customers.

Richard Lynds, Post Office Ltd's network development manager for the North West, said: "Taking the decision to close any post office branch is always very difficult and we know it will cause concern to many of our customers."

A total of 59 Post Offices have been earmarked for closure in Lancashire.

Another six are set to become "outreach" services, which would see a neighbouring post office run a part-time service in the area, using a post van or a village hall.

These include Bashall Eaves and Bolton-by-Bowland, Clitheroe.

A six-week public consultation is now underway, although it is understood the decision will not be changed unless exceptional circumstances are shown.

The government claims the network is no longer sustainable, with closures the only way to secure its future.

It says post office visits nationwide are down by four million a week on two years ago.

In May the government told Post Office Ltd to close up to 2,500 branches across the country due to mounting debt and falling customer numbers.

Judith Donovan, chairman of the northern branch of post office watchdog Postwatch, said: "Post office closures are not good news for customers, but the government has decided that a significant number are necessary to help put in place a sustainable network for the long-term."

Outgoing subpostmasters will be given 28 months' salary in compensation.

To comment on the plans, email consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call 08457 223344.