THE closure of a Chester-le-Street sub-post office has been confirmed, despite the opposition of local people.

The branch in Picktree Lane, a few hundred yards from the town centre, will shut on Wednesday, August 13, as part of a nationwide shake-up by the Post Office.

The company says the re-organisation is designed to safeguard the future of urban branches that are chasing insufficient business.

It blames increased costs and changes to income opportunities, including benefit payments into bank accounts.

The Post Office says that the Picktree Lane sub-postmaster has agreed to permanent closure.

The company says it asked customers, the area's MP, Kevan Jones, and local organisations for their views on the closure.

David Mellows-Facer, the Post Office's head of area, said: "We have received a number of comments and two petitions from customers and local representatives during the consultation period.

"Concerns centred mainly on the effect of the closure on the more elderly customers within the local community, and the convenience of nearby alternative branches.

"Following this exercise, we believe that the closure of this branch is the correct course of action.

"Customers in Chester-le-Street will continue to have reasonable access to local Post Office products and services, and we remain confident that the closure of Picktree Lane Post Office branch will improve the long-term prospects of the other branches in the area.

"In particular, we have made sure that the Chester-le-Street Post Office branch on Front Street and the South Pelaw Post Office branch are ready to cope with the extra customers."