OPPOSITION is growing against the possible closure of Eaglescliffe post office.

Couns Maureen Rigg and John Fletcher, ward councillors for Egglescliffe, and Coun Mike Cherrett, who serves Preston, have joined forces to protest against the potential closure of the Station Road premises which serve people from both areas.

The post office is one of 13 in Cleveland that may close by August, following a restructuring programme.

Coun Rigg said: "We hope consideration will be given to siting a post office within an existing business such as one of the shops near the present one. At a time when we are trying to discourage the unnecessary use of cars and maintain communities, it cannot be right to remove a well-used facility."

At a meeting of Egglescliffe Parish Council, members also raised objections, stating that customers would have further to walk to reach the Orchard post office in Durham Lane or have to get a bus into Yarm.

Coun John Walker said: "There is quite a large population from our parish and Preston that will be left without a post office."

Chairman Sue Ireland added: "A lot of people in that area are also elderly and struggle walking to the bus stop."

Coun Ann Cooper, who runs the Station Road post office, was unable to take part in the discussion after declaring an interest in the matter.

However, she had said previously that the business was no longer viable and that she was happy with the proposal as she hoped to retire.

Coun Cooper also owns the building and plans to sell it if the closure goes ahead.

Coun Fletcher said: "I can sympathise with Coun Cooper, but at the end of the day we have to represent our constituents."

He said the Durham Lane post office would no longer close for lunch, stay open on Wednesday afternoons and serve customers from 9am-5.30 Monday to Friday and from 9am-12.30 on Saturdays.

"The Post Office has estimated the driving time for customers from Station Road to the Orchard post office at two minutes and at three minutes for Yarm."

Coun Geoff Turner said: "It's a national process and the Post Office want to cut outlets that are not showing a profit. These figures are just a smoke screen we should object to the necessary authorities on amenity grounds."

The council agreed to write to Post Office Ltd and Postwatch, the watchdog for postal services, listing its objections.

Any comments should be addressed to the National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW by June 7.