PEOPLE objecting to plans to shut Winnington Post Office have been dealt a blow after the sub-postmaster said he excepted it to close.

Ray Plant, who runs the Winnington Lane branch, says if it is not getting the custom it simply can't be kept open.

He said: 'If it is not a viable option to keep this office open because we are not getting the customers in, then the Post Office is going to want to close it.

'I would imagine that a lot of people are upset that the post office is closing but I have also heard from some pensioners who are quite happy for it to go ahead.'

Ray has served the community for 27 years and even if the closure goes ahead he will be involved in Winnington life.

He said: 'Nothing is ever done until it is done and I know that the Post Office is having a public consultation at the moment, but I think someone has got to come up with a very good argument to change their minds.

'If the closure goes ahead then I will shut the whole post office, including the shop, but will still be living in the community.' He added: 'I will encourage my customers to use Castle Post Office as the more people that use Castle, Northwich or Barnton will keep them viable.'

At a meeting of Northwich Town Council on Monday a number of councillors voiced their objection to plans to shut both the Winnington and Leftwich Green post offices, revealed last week.

Cllr Roy Cotterill, whose ward covers Leftwich, said: 'Leftwich Green Post Office covers the whole of Leftwich and the Kingsmead estate. I cannot see that this office is not viable, just the opposite in fact.'

Cllr George Mainwaring added: 'Lots of people use these post offices for the social side of it, but the one good thing that may come as a result of it is that pensioners will not have to carry cash about.'

The council said it has the support of Barnton Parish Council, and is writing to Post Office bosses to inform them of its objection.