THE fight to save post offices will go on, politicians have promised.

On Tuesday the Government announced plans to shut 10 branches in north Kirklees.

They are: Bradford Road, Staincliffe and Soothill in Batley, Savile Town in Dewsbury, Fieldhead in Birstall, Whitley near Thornhill, Six Lane Ends in Heckmondwike, Hopton and Knowle in Mirfield and East Bierley.

Kirklees Council’s Lib-Dem leader Clr Kath Pinnock condemned the plan.

She said: “This is a huge blow to local people. Post offices are vital, especially for older people and those with disabilities.

“All the evidence shows that when post offices close there is a negative impact on neighbouring businesses, which can lead to the decline of local shopping areas and make communities unsustainable.”

Clr Pinnock promised to oppose the closures. The Cleckheaton councillor said: “The Government is dead set on shutting 2,500 branches in this round of cuts, but the Lib Dems on Kirklees Council will keep fighting to protect these vital services.

“We have been campaigning against post office cuts for some time and at the last meeting of the council we got wide support for the Lib Dems’ motion opposing closures in our area.”

Kirklees will contact councillors in the areas affected by the proposed closures.

Clr Andrew Palfreeman, the council’s Cabinet member for policy development, said: “Now that we know which post offices could be affected the council will be assessing what lobbying should be done as part of this process.

“The council will be gathering information about how well-used the post offices are.”

The Government has also announced plans to close 11 post offices in Calderdale, including branches in Greetland, Stainland, Brighouse and Lightcliffe.

Calderdale Council is organising a series of public meetings to discuss the closures.

People can have their say at Cliff Hill Community Primary School in Lightcliffe on May 22 at 6pm and at Greetland School on June 2 at 6pm.

A questionnaire and petition are available at council buildings and libraries and online at www.calderdale.gov.uk

Post office closure plans for Huddersfield and the Valleys will be announced in August.