PROTESTORS opposed to the closure of a Preston post office have vowed to fight to the end to keep it open even though many fear a decison has already been made.

Despite pouring rain, more than 40 people, young and old, gathered outside the Wellington Road post office in Ashton, to try to save it from closure.

It was a last ditch effort to show their anger at Post Office chiefs' proposals before the end of the consultation period on Tuesday.

But many feared their efforts may be in vain. Alice Brierley, 75, who lives near the Ashton branch, said: "I'm not sure this is doing any good as I think the post office have already decided what they want to do.

"But I've got to try because if I don't then I can't complain when it's gone."

If the closures go ahead the nearest available branch would be Blackpool Road, Liverpool Road or the city centre branch which, campaigners say, would mean an up-hill walk and crossing busy roads.

Hilda Heeley thinks it could be difficult for some people to collect their benefits in future.

"I collect a pension for a woman that is housebound and if I'm not here then someone else can do it for her because it's so close.

"But if the closures go ahead this won't be the case anymore and she will struggle because she certainly won't be able to get to the others or thos in town because they are too far away."

It is just one of several post offices across Preston and South Ribble that could close. A decision will be made on Tuesday, May 4.