ANGRY Todmorden councillors have blasted as "deplorable" a move by the Post Office to close down two branches in the town.

The town council's General Purposes Committee discussed at length the announcement that Ashenhurst and Roomfield branches were to close in the summer but agreed any move would need full consideration of all the facts.

The meting agreed to send an urgent letter to MP Chris McCafferty, giving her all the facts and urging her to make the strongest possible protest to the Post Office.

Coun Frank McManus, who described the decision to close the two offices as "outrageous and beyond belief" said he had already written to Mrs McCafferty appealing for her to press the Post Office for a change of heart.

He said that the proposed closure of Ashenhurst was a particular blow to the elderly residents of the area, who would have to walk or catch the bus for a considerable distance to the nearest post office and that fact should have been taken into account before a closure decision was made.

He was supported by Todmorden Age Concern chairman, Coun Ruth Goldthorpe, who said she was appalled by the two closures and the effect they could have on the elderly and people.

But Coun Simon Ormerod said it was easy to understand the Post Office's thinking that if it was not making a profit, it was doomed for closures like other businesses.

The Post Office's head of area, Eddie Herbert, wants to hear the views of the public and says that all the points raised by customers will be considered.

Mr Herbert says that after taking a month to consult with the community the decision whether to close Ashenhurst and Roomfield branches was likely to take place in July.

Mr Herbert said: "Looking after a nationwide network of Post Office branches we have a responsibility to make sure every branch makes the best possible use of resources, while ensuring that customers can still easily access products and services. To that end, we monitor all branches on an ongoing basis.

"Due to falling customer numbers increasing running costs and increased customer choice about how their benefits are paid with the introduction of direct paying into accounts, the sub postmaster, with our agreement, is seeking to pursue different interests."

Ashenhurst sub-post mistress Beryl Spruce, said she had enjoyed 14 years at the post office but she had reached the age when she had to think about retiring and the post office had accepted her situation.

She said the Post Office accepted her decision to retire and had not offered it to anyone else or advertised the position.

She said there had been a few grumbles from her customers, many of whom were elderly and relied on the post office being so handy, especially to do their shopping.