Ref. 71819-15AN elderly couple from Stratton say the area will die if Post Offices bosses push ahead with plans to close their local branch.

Reg and Vera Selway, of Burden Close, have been using Oxford Road post office for more than 30 years.

The branch along with others in Clifton Street and Ferndale Road could close in November.

Cash-strapped Post Office bosses say the closures are needed to stem huge financial losses.

But the pensioners say the closure of the Oxford Road branch will come as a massive blow to the community.

Former RAF man, Mr Selway, 76, said: "This area is being neglected as it is if this post office closes I don't know what will happen.

"There is strong feeling in this community and I have been approached by people who are not happy about the situation.

"We have already lost our circular bus service, making it difficult for pensioners to get to the doctors' surgery on Highworth Road. Many people have to rely on taxis.

"Losing this post office would be a great hardship.

"Stratton and the Oxford Road area has a very large percentage of senior citizens and these people rely very heavily on the services provided by the post office."

According to Post Office figures the branch is in dire trouble and without heavy subsidies, could only afford to stay open for about an hour a day.

But the couple say there is always a queue when they visit the branch to pay a bill or post a parcel.

Mr Selway said: "I do not know why the Post Office want to close this branch it's well used. We were shocked when we heard the news.

"There are always three or four people in front of us when we pop down.

"We have three children and four grandchildren so we use the branch a lot to post letters and birthday presents.

"We will have to go all the way to Covingham Square in the future to do that if they decide to close it."

Now he is calling on local councillors to get behind the Evening Advertiser's campaign to prevent the closures.

As previously reported, a consultation period has now begun.

Postwatch, the industry watchdog, has promised to grill Post Office bosses over valid concerns.

Kevin Shoesmith