SAVE OUR POST OFFICES: BATTLE plans to force the Post Office to re-think proposals to shut three Swindon branches are hotting up.

Last week the Advertiser launched a campaign to save branches in Oxford Road, Ferndale Road and Clifton Street.

Posters, placards and banners have been created and are ready to hit the streets.

Now, after reading of the closure plans in the Advertiser, Swindon councillors have joined the protest.

This weekend they plan to blitz the three areas with thousands of postcards.

Together, we hope to unite residents and make the Post Office bosses realise that they are making a big mistake.

Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads), who will be challenging north Swindon MP Michael Wills at the next General Election, is spearheading the council's campaign.

He said: "We are delighted to be working with the Advertiser to make sure residents' views are not ignored.

"It is crucial that during the consultation period as many residents as possible make it clear that these post offices should not close.

"By sending back either our postcards or the Evening Advertiser's slips they will be making their voices heard.

"The more names that are collected the stronger the case will be for fighting these closure plans."

Coun Tomlinson said with an aging population it is even more important to keep post offices open.

"We will vigorously oppose these closures as they are an important part of the local community," he said.

Coun Ray Fisher (Con, Stratton St Margaret) said Advertiser readers could rely on councillors to represent them on this issue.

"I can understand the Post Office has to consider economic issues but I believe that they are not looking at the future potential of these branches," he said.

"Branches are acting as cashpoints for the banks. This could generate money but needs time to develop."

Coun Chris van Roon (Con, Stratton St Margaret) added: "Post offices provide not only pensions or stamps, but access to savings, passports and other services besides.

"A post office closure affects the neediest in our society, especially the elderly and the less well-off.

"Every postcard, letter or email will make a difference when the decision is being made."

Kevin Shoesmith