A CAMPAIGNING councillor is rallying support for threatened post offices.

Independent councillor Jackie Grunsell wants to stop the closure of nine branches in and around Huddersfield.

The Post Office on Tuesday announced plans to close Halifax Road, Birchencliffe; Wheathouse Road, Birkby; Woodhead Road, Holmbridge; Leeds Road; Lockwood Road, Lockwood; St Thomas Road, Longroyd Bridge; Acre Street, Oakes; Quarmby Road, Quarmby; and Wooldale Road, Wooldale.

Clr Grunsell wants Kirklees to follow the example of Essex County Council which has taken over the running of 15 branches threatened with closure.

She said: “Fortunately the council passed my motion last week calling on Kirklees to enter into negotiations with Post Office Ltd to examine ways of keeping these post offices open under council ownership.

“The council has an urgent duty to protect these people and the post offices which provide them with a service.”

The Post Office plans to close 2,500 branches nationwide.

But Clr Grunsell believes the ultimate responsibility lies with the Government.

She said: “Whilst the support of our local MPs is welcome in proposing to fight the closures, it was the decision of their Labour government to embark on these draconian closures which has got us to this terrible stage.”

Clr Grunsell, who represents Crosland Moor and Netherton on Kirklees Council, said: “The decision by Post Office Ltd is a disgrace. All communities need to stand together to save local services.

“There is no doubt these closures would impact the most disadvantaged sections of the population such as the elderly, the disabled and those on low incomes. They will end up being even more isolated and forgotten.”

Public consultation on the closure programme runs until September 22.

Clr Grunsell has called a public meeting at Thornton Lodge Community Centre at 7.30pm on August 14 to protest against the closure of Lockwood and Longroyd Bridge offices. There will be a second meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall at the start of September.

Clr Grunsell, who fought changes to maternity services at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary three years ago, said: “Three years ago, people rallied to our call to save local health services. I am asking for their support again.”

Anyone wanting to help Clr Grunsell’s campaign can call 07809 211 325 or e-mail jackie.grunsell@kirklees.gov.uk