Fears for all Post Offices

All sub-post offices in Cannock Chase could be closed in the next five years, according to council leader Neil Stanley.

The startling assessment emerged at an emergency discussion of the council's ruling cabinet over plans to close St Aidan's Post Office in Pye Green Road.

The cabinet agreed to strongly oppose the plans which will see 53 post offices close across Staffordshire.

The council said the loss of St Aidan's will affect the most deprived ward in Cannock Chase, where almost a quarter of the population are on benefits and more than a third have long-term sickness.

It also emerged the council believes figures used by the Post Office to make its decision to close St Aidan's were wrong.

A report by officers revealed the problem could affect 10 other Post Offices across Staffordshire and Shropshire.

The report added: "We have been assured the assessment has been made using the correct data."

Council Leader Neil Stanley yesterday told his cabinet the closure would not be the last in the district

He said: "It's the latest closure in a series. We have made the case in the past and objected but the Post Office ignores our arguments. I think we are now in a situation where every post office in the district council area is under threat.

"In the next five years I think we could see a situation where every sub-post office will be closed.

"I think the assessment figures and data are being used more as an excuse to close post offices."

Tony Williams, cabinet member for environment, agreed the future was bleak.

The Post Office was unavailable for comment.