CAMPAIGNERS against the closure of a Haslingden post office are lobbying their MP for him to take the fight to Parliament.

Eight hundred people have so far signed a petition against the axing of the branch at Longshoot, Haslingden, which is seen as a lifeline to elderly people living locally.

The closure would be especially hard on sub postmaster Ravi Sethi after he made a £170,000 investment in extending his premises just two years ago.

Now would-be protesters are being urged to attend a public signing event at St Mary's Primary School, in Lime Road, Haslingden, from 11am on February 16, to add their voice to the chorus of disapproval over the post office closure proposals.

The Lancashire Telegraph is behind a campaign to save 24 branches, across East Lancashire, from the Government-inspired cull.

Coun Gladys Sandiford, who represents Greenfield ward, said: "We do feel that the consultation has basically been flawed.

"The branch at Longshoot has been built into the hillside and people travel from half a mile away to visit it.

"They will share a taxi and do everything while they are there - pay the bills and do a little shopping and do everything under one roof.

"But if the branch is in the town centre then they won't do that."

Coun Sandiford, who is working with Worsley ward councillor Joyce Thorne, said an approach would be made to Hyndburn MP Greg Pope to encourage him to lodge an Early Day Motion voicing fears about the closures proposals.

Mr Pope has said he would be happy to meet campaigners over the issue and has pledged his support to keeping the Longshoot branch running.