A CAMPAIGN has been launched to fight a proposal to close five post offices in Preston.

The planned closures unclude all three post offices in the Riversway ward at Wellington Road, Water Lane and Fishergate Hill.

Post Office Limited say the closures are part of a nationwide drive to improve efficiency but the move has angered customers who fear it could have serious repercussions for people in their communities. A customer of the Wellington Road post office in Ashton is to spearhead plans to fight the closures.

Jack Davenport, 25, of Garden Walk, has used that post office since moving to the area 14 years ago.

He said: "It is an intrinsic part of the community and it would it be terrible to lose it, especially when two others are closing in the same ward.

"If it closed it would mean people having to walk further and cross busy roads which, for pensioners, could be difficult."

Mr Davenport, a social services officer, organised a meeting last night (Wednesday) to discuss the situation.

The closures have also been opposed by Preston MP Mark Hendrick. He said: "People in Preston have had enough of these closures and are not going to take it lying down. We will continue to fight it."

Eddie Herbert, head of area at Post Office Ltd, said: "The harsh reality is that many urban offices are struggling to survive because there are too many branches for the amount of business. Before we make a final decision we are keen to hear of any concerns."

People can write to Mr Herbert at the National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW, before May 4.