THE Advertiser's fight to save three Swindon post offices from closure is going from strength to strength.

Today we are calling on readers to pick up the phone and request banners and posters to use in protests.

We will then send a photographer down to snap them sending a stark message to top ranks at Post Office HQ in Watford.

We now have five weeks to persuade the decision makers that closing branches in Oxford Road, Ferndale Road and Clifton Street would be a mistake.

And from the weight of the Advertiser's bulging postbag, it is clear the majority oppose the plans.

In just a week, we have received nearly 100 letters from concerned readers.

Many contain several photocopies of the petition slip, which we have asked readers to complete.

And some readers have also attached notes expressing their disgust.

Former care worker Carole Snook, of Monteagle Close, Grange Park, said many of her former patients, who rely on the Ferndale Road branch, will be severely affected by any closure.

She wrote: "I know a lot of people whose mobility is poor and will find it difficult to go to a post office further away."

Businesses too, have pledged support. Clare Bateman, the director of Austin Heating And Air Conditioning, in Radnor Street, said the firm relies on Clifton Street post office to send company mail.

She said although the next nearest branch is an easy drive away in Westcott Place, parking is a problem.

She said: "Tere isn't anywhere to park."

The man who holds hope to hundreds of Post Office customers has now begun a series of site visits to the under-threat branches.

Yesterday, David Hide, the chairman of the Wiltshire panel of Postwatch, visited Clifton Street to look over the books.

Visits to branches in Oxford Road and Ferndale Road will take place early next week.

Mr Hide said: "The visit was useful. While there I was handed a letter from a man who runs a poetry society. He relies heavily on this post office.

"These are the sort of comments we need.

"We want to know how these closures will affect people."

You can help save this service

THE Evening Advertiser has launched a campaign to save the threatened post offices.

These buildings are not merely places to cash pensions and benefits they are important focal points.

This year the Advertiser celebrates its 150th birthday. At the same time, the Clifton Street post office opened for business. Both were born with the same aim to serve the local community. We are calling on that same community to fight these closure proposals.

We are urging anyone with old photographs and memories of the post offices to call us on 01793 501798.

In return we will supply banners, flyers, posters and anything else needed to send a message to the decision-makers.

And if you are planning a protest or a petition, please let us know on 01793 501802. We have six weeks to make a difference.

Kevin Shoesmith