IT IS the news campaigners were dreading - the axe has finally fallen on nine post offices across Hampshire.

The future of three more is hanging in the balance as bosses consider whether to grant them a stay of execution.

Southampton has borne the brunt of the cull with seven branches closed across the city. Two counter services are being closed in the Shirley area, at Wilton Lane and Shirley Road, with the Wide Lane branch in Swaythling also set to close its doors despite objections from residents and consumer groups.

The Sholing, Merry Oak and Peartree areas will be particularly hard hit with three branches within the space of a few miles shutting up shop.

Other branches in Eastleigh and Winchester have also been axed.

A decision has yet to be made on three branches in Southampton that postal chiefs say are still under threat.

The company said no ruling had yet been made on the future of the branches at Wimpson Lane, Manor Farm Road in Bitterne Park and South East Road in Sholing.

The closures are a bitter blow for campaigners who launched a string of protests against the closing of branches in their communities.

June Bridle, leader of Southampton City Council's Labour group, said: "It is something that people felt strongly about and my message would be to ensure those that are left are kept open by using them as much as possible."

Sholing resident Pam Cornwell said: "For anyone in this area, going to Bitterne or Woolston is not really an option. Certainly those branches are a lot busier anyway and already people queue horrendously to get served. That will just get worse."

Their stay of execution has been welcomed by campaigners who say that the public must underline the need for the branches to stay open in the face of many others closing.

Gary Hepburn, spokesman for postal watchdog Postwatch, said: "We are in consultation with the Post Office on the ones on which no decision has yet been made.

"We are trying to approach the objections to closures on a realistic basis and at least when a branch is closing to ensure alternative facilities are in place."

John Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, said the news across the city was mixed. "I am concerned that the Wide Lane branch will be closed despite specific objections from Postwatch about the lack of adequate alternative facilities.

"Having said that I would say that we live to fight another day on the subject of the three other branches where decisions have not yet been made.

"I welcome the fact that the Bitterne Park branch has not yet been closed and I would use any influence I can to ensure the Post Office is aware of the huge amount of public feeling against the closure of it."

Susan Murphy, whose husband is sub-postmaster of the Bitterne Park branch, criticised the Post Office for keeping them waiting.

"We are happy to keep going as long as the Post Office make it viable for us to offer the full range of services that are available.

"However, I think it is just shoddy of them not to let us know. The staff and everyone here don't know if they are coming or going. Staff are unsure whether to look for other jobs."

Post Office bosses have also confirmed that the Passfield Avenue branch in Eastleigh and the Morn Hill branch in Winchester will also close permanently.

Eastleigh resident Sam Snook, 69, said: "I think it is bad news for those of us who will now have to get on a bus or use the less than decent footpaths in Eastleigh to get to the town centre branch."

Eastleigh MP David Chidgey added: "My concern is primarily for my elderly constituents who will no longer be able to pop to their local branch for their pensions or benefits but have to make the trip in to town."

No date has yet been set to close the affected branches in South-ampton. The Morn Hill branch in Winchester has already closed ande Passfield Avenue Post Office will serve close on January 20.

Closing

o Wide Lane, Swaythling

o Wilton Lane, Upper Shirley

o Shirley Road, Shirley

o Park Road, Freemantle

o Station Road, Sholing

o Manor Road, Merry Oak

o Spring Road, Peartree.

o Mornhill, Winchester.

o Passfield Avenue, Eastleigh.

In the balance:

o Wimpson Lane, Millbrook

o Manor Farm Road, Bitterne Park

o South East Road,Sholing