ONE in three post offices in Kirklees could be axed. Branches in towns are as much at risk as those in rural areas, it was said today.
And other shops near closed post offices could suffer, it is feared.
The grim prediction of a 33% cull was made as councillors promised to step up the campaign against closures.
Kirklees Council Cabinet member Andrew Palfreeman said he had looked at the Government's guidelines on which post offices would go.
He said: "Initial analysis on how the criteria could impact on the post office network in Kirklees indicates that potentially more than 30 of the 83 post offices across the district could be threatened."
He added: "This is not just about post offices but the knock-on impact that closures could have on the area and its economy.
"Research carried out tells us that for every £10 spent in a local post office another £16 is spent in other shops in the area.
"So, we are not just talking about post offices, we are talking about the wider effects on local areas."
An all-party campaign to fight any proposed closures was approved at a Kirklees Council meeting last month.
It was agreed after Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling announced plans to shut 2,500 sub-post offices across the country.
The minister said cuts were needed because of total losses of £4m a week, twice as much as a year ago.
Kirklees councillors have resolved to write to local MPs and the Government, reminding them of the crucial role that post offices play in the community.
Clr Palfreeman said: "Implementing the Government's criteria would impact on almost every part of the district.
"It would be easy for people to think this is just about post offices in rural areas.
"That is not the case.
"Post offices in urban areas - including deprived areas - will also be affected."
