COMMUNITIES will lose out if the proposed closure of seven post offices goes ahead.

That was the prediction from postmasters and customers yesterday following the announcement from Post Office chiefs.

David Issa, clerk at Morris Green Post Office in Morris Green Lane said: "It will have a big impact on the local community who come here, from children to older people.

"We have a lot of elderly customers in the area and they are depending on us. It's a shame for them and upsetting for us."

Moses Gate Post Office, Egerton Street, Farnworth, is also under threat.

Magan Surti is the owner and postmaster. He said: "I'm disappointed and bitter.

"We are commercially viable and closing us will affect the whole of the community and cause a great deal of hardship, particularly for the older generation."

Chris Taylor has been postmistress at Hart Common Post Office in Leigh Road, Westhoughton, for 21 years.

She said: "There is nothing much in the community but this post office and shop. My customers are not happy and I feel for them.

"I have quite a few elderly customers and they will struggle."

The proposed closures are not going down well with customers either.

Beryl Perks, of Maple Avenue, Heaton, has used Higher Chorley Old Road Post Office for more than 50 years.

The 70-year-old collects her pension and frequently sends letters and parcels to relatives and friends.

She said: "I am very upset and feel let down. I would feel vulnerable travelling further to another post office.

"I will have to use a bank account for my pension when I would prefer the post office and other people will have to get me stamps and things.

"I won't be using the post office again if this one closes because I am so disgusted and fed up."

Bolton Council has vowed to do what it can to prevent post office closures.

Cllr Cliff Morris, council leader, said: "Post Offices provide valuable services for local communities "A meeting of the Executive reaffirmed last week that the council would look into ways it can assist in keeping a network of post office services in areas where closures are proposed.

"Options could include re-locating sub post offices into public buildings and working with our partners to look at possible locations.

"We will conduct this review as a matter of urgency.

"At Greater Manchester level a group is examining the way in which the Post Office determined which branches are to close and the methodology used as part of the consultation period."