FOR the past couple of months, the Pioneer has been campaigning hard to save Station Road sub-post office from the axe.
And three weeks ago we threw our weight behind the battle to prevent the closure of the office on Chester Road, Whitby.
But Royal Mail confirmed that both vital facilities are for the chop as part of a national programme it blames on falling custom and increasing costs.
But we don't go along with that. We agree with those who say both communities would suffer major inconvenience if the offices were taken away.
Members of the public have until December 1 to make their views known to Royal Mail.
And to help them do just that, for the next four weeks we will be carrying a 'Save our Post Office' coupon in the paper.
We want you to fill it in and return it to us by Friday, November 26 - and we will pass them all on to Royal Mail.
The campaign has attracted some powerful backers.
Ellesmere Port MP Andrew Miller has pledged his support, as have Cllrs Fred Venables, Labour member for Westminster and leader of the borough council, and Mike McCusker, Labour councillor for Whitby.
The latest big-name recruit is Stewart Hayward, an honorary alderman who is a former mayor and used to be borough representative on the old Post Office Advisory Council.
Cllr Venables hopes the Pioneer's coupons will help galvanise an already determined community.
He said: 'I am fully committed to this campaign and believe we must make our voices heard. We have enlisted the whole area here, all of whom oppose the closure
'I have every confidence we will succeed, but that success will depend on people making themselves heard and sending in these coupons.'
Cllr McCusker said: 'The Chester Road sub-post office has been a valuable service for the people of Whitby for years.
'There are a lot of pensioners who use it as a way of meeting and talking.
'Anything that can be done with the help of the Press should be done and I whole heartedly back the Pioneer's coupon idea.'
Mr Hayward said: 'I am firmly backing the campaign to save both offices.
'As a former ward councillor for Whitby, I know in particular what a blow the closure of the Chester Road office would be to the area.'
In a bid to concentrate their forces, campaigners are staging a public meeting at Christchurch YMCA at 7pm on Friday, November 12.
On the platform will be representatives of Royal Mail and Post-watch.
Mr Hayward added: 'I shall also be certainly attending the meeting. I just hope that Royal Mail sends along someone of sufficient seniority to be able to influence a decision.'
