A BRADSHAW councillor believes post offices are facing extinction after being forced to retire from her ten year role as a postmaster.

Cllr Diana Brierley blasted Government policy claiming communities and workers had been "sold down the river".

She gave up her own Post Office in Swinton believing she would be unable to make a living once an automated system for collecting benefits is introduced. The Tory councillor believes many other postmasters will find it impossible to remain in business.

Cllr Brierley is demanding the Government provide a list of closure proposals for Bolton and that postmasters are allowed to promote the benefits of collecting cash via a Post Office card account.

"It was with a heavy heart that I left the Post Office, a network which has become demoralised, bewildered and sold down the river by this Government," she said.

"Where does it leave Bolton pensioners with no transport?"