A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has raised concerns that the county could lose more than its fair share of sub post offices because it is one of the last areas to be consulted about the Government's closure programme.

The Government has argued it needs to close 2,500 post offices nation-wide to keep the postal service financially viable and is currently undergoing consultation about which ones to close.

The plan has come under criticism, particularly from rural areas fearing that closing post offices will rip the heart out of some villages.

However, according to Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, the number of post offices being earmarked for closure in areas where consultation has taken place is lagging behind the target.

He fears that means areas - like Worcestershire, which is yet to be considered - may face more closures to "make the numbers up".

Mr Luff said: "On average, 18 per cent of post offices in each area plan are being proposed for closure.

"However, in those areas where consultation is complete, the figures given to me show that only 14% are being closed on average so far.

"While this is good news for those areas which keep their post offices, there is a very real danger that it could be storing up trouble for areas like Worcestershire which will be consulted at the very end of the process."

He added: "This is, quite simply, wholly unfair. The closure of post offices will have a significant impact on local communities, and must not be done simply to make up the numbers."

Consultation on the closure programme in Worcestershire will begin in late August.