A RIBBLE Valley post office could shut later this year as part of a national programme of urban closures.

Following a comprehensive review of Salesbury Post Office in Church View, and other offices in the area, Post Office Ltd has decided that this branch should close permanently in December.

But before a final decision is made, customers are being invited to voice their concerns.

Eddie Herbert, head of area for Post Office Ltd, said: "We do not propose closing a post office without considerable research and discussion, so we are anxious that customers and all relevant organisations understand why we consider it necessary to reduce the size of our network.

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

"In the case of Salesbury, the viability of the office has been affected by a declining number of customers, increased running costs, and the prospect of even less business now the Department of Works and Pensions is transferring benefit payments from passbooks to bank accounts.

"We have considered this situation very carefully and have concluded that if this office were to close, it would improve the long-term prospects of the other offices in the area, the nearest of which is Wilpshire Post Office on Whalley Road.

"We are confident they could cope with the extra business. But, before we make a final decision, we we are keen to hear from customers."

Bill Stopford, 59, who has been landlord of the nearby Bonny Inn, in Ribchester Road, for the past three years said: "The post office will be sadly missed.

"I use it to get my change and it was always handy just to nip down the road. Now I will have to jump in the car and drive another mile.

"There will be nothing in Salesbury - not even a place to buy a carton of milk.

"All the village will have left is a pub and a church."

The postmaster declined to comment about the matter.

Anyone wishing to register their concerns is asked to write to Eddie Herbert at National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN by November 5.