ROYAL Mail has won few friends with its 'urban reinvention' programme, which aims to shut 3,000 of its 9,000 urban post offices -- those in communities of more than 10,000. In recent weeks postal bosses have outlined which counters they are looking to get rid of across East Lancashire, although final decisions have not been taken on some offices. Yesterday saw campaigners in Clitheroe hear that their battle had been lost, while protesters in Darwen gathered to petition against planned closures. Meanwhile councillors in Hyndburn were meeting Royal Mail bosses. Tonight we speak to some of those involved in the campaigns. . .

CAMPAIGNERS who failed to stop the closure of two Clitheroe post offices today warned their counterparts fighting similar battles elsewhere they faced a tough time.

Royal Mail has confirmed it will go ahead with the closure of two of Clitheroe's three post offices next month, despite widespread opposition to the proposals.

Both Henthorn Road Post Office and Salford Post Office in Whalley Road will shut on Thursday, July 8, leaving only the main town centre branch in King Street, open.

The closures - and the failure to respond to public opposition - come a week into consultations for another 15 proposed closures across Blackburn, Darwen, Rossendale and Hyndburn, and days after plans to shut 12 across Burnley and Pendle were revealed.

Coun Joan Knight, mayor of Clitheroe Town Council, which opposed the closures - and blasted Royal Mail for not informing them of the proposed closures - said: "We had to find out second hand about the plans and we did object, as did the borough council, but they haven't listened.

"It will create real problems in King Street. The post office there is already busy, and they haven't listened to concerns about the extra distance elderly people will have to travel."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "I am angered and disappointed, it is another nail in the coffin for our rural way of life.

"The Post Office has failed to listen to any of the concerns raised by myself and the people that use these Post Offices. I wish other campaigns good luck but I don't hold out much hope."

Teddy Herbert, head of area for the Post Office, said: "During the public consultations we received a number of representations.

"The main concerns expressed were about the effect of the closures on more elderly customers within the local community and the location of the nearby alternative branch.

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

"I still believe the closure of these two offices is the best course of action."