ANGER has greeted the Post Office's announcement that it intends to push ahead with plans to close 15 of its branches in East lancashire.

Seven in Blackburn, four in Hyndburn and two in each of Darwen and Rossendale are either to close or remain closed as part of the cuts announced by the Post Office.

The decision, which comes just weeks after two in Clitheroe were axed despite protests from local people over the fact they were essential for elderly members of the community, today prompted outcry in the areas affected.

The cuts follow a lengthy consultation period in which people living near to many of the threatened counters fought to keep them open.

Today they claimed their views had been ignored and branded the closures "a disgrace".

However, Eddie Herbert, head of area for the Post Office, said: "Proposals to close post offices are not made without considerable research and discussion."

"Our aim is to safeguard access to a post office for all communities.

"But the harsh reality is that many urban offices are struggling to survive because there are too many branches for the amount of business.

"While I appreciate that it will be inconvenient for some customers to use an alternative post office, I have taken into account local terrain, parking and public transport.

"A senior manager 'walked the ground' to assess all aspects of accessibility." But Coun Malcolm Pritchard, a Hyndburn Labour councillor who led the fight in his borough, said: "I don't see how they can say that.

"Whalley Road post office is at the top of a steep hill. The nearest one is at the bottom of the hill, in Accrington town centre.

"What they are doing is a disgrace. They should try pushing someone in a wheelchair there."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "This just goes to show that, like in Clitheroe, they just aren't listening to what people are telling them on the ground."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "I am very disappointed the post office has taken this decision. I took part in the consultation and everyone involved seemed to be opposing these closures."

Darwen councillor Paul Browne said the decision was "absolutely ridiculous".

He added: "I'm disappointed. I think the people who have used these post office for all the years I've been here will be very upset to see them go.

"This is Government policy that's led to this and not putting money into the post offices and I think it's an absolute disgrace."

The results of consultations in Burnley and Pendle are to be made known within the next six weeks.