The regulator is to look at how plans to shut three post offices will affect customers. KEVIN SHOESMITH reports

THE post office watchdog has now stepped into the arena over plans to shut three Swindon branches.

And David Hide, chairman of the Wiltshire panel of Postwatch, has warned top bosses that he will force them into an embarrassing U-turn if he is not satisfied that the needs of customers have been taken into account.

Last week we reported that the axe is hanging over branches in Clifton Street, Ferndale Road and Oxford Road.

Post Office Limited, which owns 16,000 branches across the UK, insists 2,500 must close in November to stem further massive debts.

A six-week consultation period has now begun and customers are being encouraged to voice their concerns.

On Friday, Mr Hide and two colleagues will visit the Clifton Street branch to see for themselves what closure would mean to residents living nearby.

This will be followed by visits to the other two branches on Tuesday.

"Postwatch carries a lot of weight," said Mr Hide.

"And if we are not satisfied that customers will still have good access to a post office we will strongly oppose.

"We will go to these areas and we will chat with the people who will be affected most. Pensioners and the disabled will be the ones that will be hit the hardest so we are particularly keen to speak to them."

Already the Evening Advertiser has received 11 letters of support from readers for our campaign to save the branches.

As well as visiting the post offices set for the chop, the team will also examine the route that people without cars will have to take to nearby branches.

Mr Hide said: "We will be considering a number of factors, including the ease at which people can get to the next post office.

"There may be steep slopes and steps which elderly people will find difficult.

"Our main message that we want to get across is that we will listen to views based on fact not opinion. We will then be able to take those real concerns to the decision makers."

Mr Hide added that Postwatch is considering setting up a display stand in the town centre to enable people to air their views more effectively.

Meanwhile, David Hepburn, regional manager for Postwatch, said the regulator has a proven track record.

"Over the past few months we have prevented around 12 closures in the south west," he said.

"And just as importantly we have succeeded in getting plans modified.

"In some cases we have secured more funding for upgrades to get branches up to scratch."

Kevin Shoesmith