POST OFFICE chiefs have denied paying lip service to customer concerns over a controversial bid to close branches.

As campaigners anxiously await a decision over the future of St Barnabas Post Office on West Street, Crewe, Cllr Roy Cartlidge has slammed the way the whole matter has been handled.

Hundreds of people signed a petition to save Willaston Post Office and The Heath Post Office in Sandbach but their pleas fell on deaf ears and the branches are to close.

Families and councillors have been equally united in their bid to keep St Barnabas open and have even suggested alternative sites in the West End. But Post Office Ltd says the idea is to streamline its services and not switch bases.

Mr Cartlidge, who represents St Barnabas ward, said he was 'appalled' by the use of the word 'consultation' when it seemed the branch's fate was already sealed.

He said: 'Looking at what has happened to other branches across the country there seems little point in calling it a consultation.

'I for one was not consulted along with my other colleagues who are elected members of the ward. We found out by seeing a poster in the branch.

'It seems to me and the people I represent that Post Office Ltd is doing nothing more than going through the motions and that the decision is a forgone conclusion.'

Protesters had to get their objections to the St Barnabas closure lodged by August 7 and are now awaiting a decision.

Users of Audley Road post office, Alsager, are still waiting to hear what will become of their branch, another earmarked for closure.

But Post Office chiefs say the consultation exercise in each case has been genuine.

They say there are too many post offices competing for too little business and closing the less busy branches will safeguard others.

Spokesman Satish Shah said: 'The consultation process is carried out in accordance with the code of practice agreed between Postwatch, the consumer council for postal services, and us.

'Please be assured that you comments and objections of local residents have been noted.

'The final decision will be formally communicated at the end of the formal consultation period.'

The Post Office has earmarked 3,000 of its 9,000 offices for closure by the end of 2004. To date, 432 have shut down.