COUNCILLORS in Moreton have joined the fight to save a post office earmarked for closure under controversial Royal Mail plans. They claim the move could leave the community 'devastated.'

Moreton West and Saughall Massie councillors Chris Blakeley and Suzanne Moseley have pledged their support in opposing the proposed closure of Lingham Lane post Office.

It is one of 16 across Wirral facing the chop as part of a reshuffle. If the plans go ahead, seven Wallasey branches, four in South Wirral, three in West Wirral and two in Ellesmere Port and Neston will close next year.

The plans follow discussions between Royal Mail subsidiary the Post Office and sub-postmasters, which concluded that too many post offices were competing in an area where there is little business.

Cllr Blakeley said: "As soon as we became aware of this proposal by Royal Mail we launched an immediate campaign and petition to oppose all the closures. The response from local residents in this location on the Lingham estate has been overwhelming with over 600 signatures on the petition to date.

"It is clear from the response that we have had already from those local residents many of them elderly and infirm who rely totally on this very important facility, that closing this branch is simply not acceptable. The alternatives proposed by Royal Mail are simply not close enough."

"We have already written to the consultation team and asked them to reconsider this ludicrous proposal."

A consultation process is now on, ending on December 12. To object to the proposals, or for further information, call the customer helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or write to Post Office Ltd, National consultation team, PO box 2060, Walford WD18 8ZW.