Two post offices in Braintree face the axe

The branches in Bradford Street and Clare Road are set to close in July.

Post Office bosses said they will close because too many branches are competing for too little business.

They say it is part of nationwide plans to restructure and modernise more than 9,000 urban branches.

It is the latest round of post office closures to hit Essex, with residents in Colchester and Chelmsford already up in arms about closures there.

George Hooper, Post Office head of area for Braintree, said the plans to close the two branches were partly aimed at safeguarding the future of other branches in the town.

He said: "Having met with the sub-postmasters from Bradford Street and Clare Road and also with other local sub-postmasters, we have concluded that if Bradford Street and Clare Road branches were to close, it would improve the long-term prospects of other branches in the area.

"Even after any changes are made, well over 95 per cent of customers will still live within a mile of a post office branch."

Consultation is now under way until May 21 and anyone concerned can write to the National Consultation Team, PO BOX 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN.

The sub-postmasters of both branches are unable to comment on the plans until after the consultation period.

Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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