Post Office Ltd announced the rationalisation plan this morning, with all areas of the North East affected.

Branches at North Broomhill, Mitford and St Mary's Field, Church Walk, in Morpeth all face the axe, though the former two have already been 'temporarily closed'.

Outreach services are proposed for Longhorsley, Scots Gap, Stannington and Whalton, but fears that Morpeth town centre office and the Lynemouth branch were for the chop appear to have been unfounded.
Consultation on the Network Change Programme begins today and will run until August 11.

The Post Office has been told by the Government to reduce the number of branches nationwide by up to 2,500 to support a more sustainable network in the future.

North East Network Development Manager Adrian Wales said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know it will cause concern to many of our customers.

"We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on, or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them."

The business has drawn up the plans for the area after seeking input from consumer watchdog Postwatch and local councils.

Bosses say they have considered factors such as geography, access to public transport, local demographics and the impact on local economies.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in this area, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and other factors we have to take into account," added Mr Wales.

Comments should be sent to Adrian Wales, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM.
Alternatively, e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the Customer Helpline on 08457 223344.