The decision to axe post offices across Walsall has been condemned by council chiefs for pitting communities against each other because of a “dog eat dog” closure programme.

Councillors from all parties have now joined forces to express their anger over the loss of the branches at Rushall, Delves, Dudley Fields in Bloxwich and Stafford Street near to the town centre.

Although Butts post office has been saved it now means the Wilkin branch in Brownhills is coming under scrutiny and could be lost instead. A motion of notice has been approved by Full Council criticising the spate of closures and vowing to oppose the loss of the latest underfire branch.

Councillors are calling on the Post Office to postpone the closure of the branches until the authority investigates if council services can be provided through the Post Office Network.

The passed motion says: “This Council condemns the Government for their policy of Post Office closures. The Government hold the record for closing post offices faster than any other government. Communities will be pitted against each other because of a dog-eat-dog closure programme: if one community campaigns successfully against a closure, a neighbouring branch will be shut down. Countless areas will lose this valued service and vulnerable people will lose a service they depend upon. We have already seen a number of closures in Walsall and with recent announcements stand to lose a further five.”

As part of the motion Full Council stated their congratulations to the successful campaign in Butts, led by local residents and ward councillors that has resulted in the Post Office exercising common sense and keeping the branch open.

The added post office services are vital in providing an accessible service to the most vulnerable people.