THE consultation over plans to close post offices across Stourbridge and Brierley Hill closes today (Tuesday October 7).

Post Office Ltd wants to axe post offices in Quarry Bank, Barnett Lane in Kingswinford, Silver End - Brierley Hill, Brockmoor in Pensnett, Pedmore, Oldswinford and Clent in its latest round of cost-cutting closures.

Angry residents, MPs and councillors have been busy putting their cases forward and signing petitions in the hope of saving their beloved community post offices, but the public consultation closes today.

Post Office bosses have stressed they are not deliberating over whether to close certain offices, but merely whether they have the best information possible on which to make their decisions.

Meanwhile MP Ian Pearson says he has made sure senior managers from the Post Office are aware of the level of opposition to the closure plans affecting his constituency.

He said: “The alternatives offered by the Post Office are really not practical for elderly people in particular.

“I acknowledge the Post Office network has to evolve, but that evolution has to take into account the needs and wishes of its customers, particularly those with limited means or mobility.”

The Post Office claims the closures are necessary to ensure the future of the struggling service.

Spokeswoman Jaquie Stenson said an announcement on the fate of the threatened post offices would be made in around three weeks.

She added: “We’d like to thank everybody that’s taken the opportunity to contact us.

"We’ll be taking a few weeks to review all the information we’ve received before reaching any final decisions.”

Any last minute comments on the planned closures should be sent today (Tuesday October 7) by email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk