A PETITION containing more than one thousand names was presented to Southampton MP John Denham at a protest against proposed post office closures in the city.
Residents and traders from Bitterne Park staged the protest at Bitterne Park Triangle, where the post office is one of ten across the city facing the axe.
The proposed closures form part of a nationwide Post Office cost-cutting exercise that aims to boost the profits of remaining branches.
When the plans were revealed in the Daily Echo last month people reacted with anger and said they were being robbed of vital community services.
Richard Effeny, 45, at Picture Framing and Art in Bitterne Triangle, said: "The post office is an important part of village and community life. Bitterne Park Triangle is a thriving village with many shops.
"Some people, especially the elderly and disabled cannot catch a bus to Portswood or walk the 20-minute walk to Oak Tree Road.
"We need to keep post office facilities in the village for the benefit of everybody here. And while we are a community we need to keep the vulnerable feeling protected."
John Denham, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen plans to meet representatives from independent watchdog Postwatch on Friday.
He said: "These petitions, organised by local people, show the strength of feeling for retaining post office facilities in these areas.
"They will add strength to my discussions with the Post Office and Postwatch. I think people can make a difference, it is certainly worth fighting for."
The closures will only take place after a public consultation period that ends on Friday. To voice your opinions call Postwatch on 0845 6013265.
POST OFFICES FACING THE AXE:
Post office closures are proposed at the following branches:
Bitterne Park branch, Manor Farm Road.
Merry Oak branch, Manor Road.
Sholing branch, South East Road.
Spring Road branch, Station Road.
Station Road branch, Station Road.
Wide Lane branch, Westfield Corner, Wide Lane.
Freemantle branch, Park Road.
Shirley branch, Shirley Road.
Upper Shirley branch, 64 Wilton Road.
Wimpson branch, Wimpson Lane.
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