SIR – Many people throughout the county will be dismayed to learn of the proposed closure of their local post office, while others may be relieved that the post office nearest to them appears to have been spared.

We should not be lulled into believing that this is necessarily the end of closures. Far from it!

Unless we fight the present proposals, no local post office should be considered safe.

Small post offices are a vital part of local communities, already weakened in some areas by the loss in recent years of other key amenities.

It has been said that fewer people are now using post offices but this is at least partly due to the deliberate withdrawal of some services that post offices traditionally provided.

In Worcester, the Bilford Road Post Office provides an excellent and muchadmired service in an atmosphere that is friendly and helpful.

The local residents should write to the consultation team (freepost) and state their objections to closure in the clearest terms.

Win or lose, it is always worth fighting for the things we value.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR MARY DRINKWATER, Worcester.