EVEN more post offices could be forced to shut, a would-be MP has warned.
Four branches in the Dewsbury area were earmarked for closure last week.
And the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury, Kevin Hollinrake, believes more could be forced to shut.
Last week the Post Office announced plans to shut branches in Savile Town, Whitley, Hopton and Knowle.
The proposed closures are part of a nationwide programme to shut 2,500 branches in order to stem losses of £500,000 a day.
But Mr Hollinrake believes another 3,000 branches could be forced to close their doors if the Post Office loses the contract for the Card Account.
He said: “The account is used by 4m people each week to access pensions and benefits, bringing in 12% of sub-post offices’ income.
“One in four of all visits made to post offices each week are by Card Account customers.
“The contract ends in 2010 and European Union rules mean it will have to be put out to competitive tender.
“Conservatives have repeatedly called on the Government to continue the Card Account beyond 2010.
“I am very concerned about Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s plans for a second wave of post office cuts.
“A cloud of uncertainty hangs over our vital community services. Our postal service faces death by a thousand cuts, thanks to Gordon Brown.”
