YOUR readers will probably know that my county council colleagues and I have been lobbying the powers that be over the Post Office closure programme since last year.

Many people regard their Post office as a hub of the community and felt they have little or no say in their destiny during the 'urban reinvention programme.'

I am pleased to say that demands from the county council's external overview and scrutiny committee last year for a fairer process resulted in the consultation period being extended from four to six weeks.

We have also heard from postmasters who were involved in the programme -- my committee therefore pledged to do all it could to secure a fair deal for all involved. Continued pressure from us, Lancashire MPs and Post Watch resulted in the government minister Stephen Timms MP announcing important changes to the Post Office's programme on February 5. Perhaps the most important being that the effects of closure of one Post Office on others in the area will be considered -- hopefully this will prevent areas like Hyndburn losing two thirds of its offices through a series of individually sanctioned closures.

After all the hard work of the county councillors on my committee and a number of Lancashire MPs it was good to see Councillor Tim O'Kane join the campaign in the February 18 edition of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

County Councillor WENDY DWYER, Stanley Street, Accrington.