LEADING York councillors have called for a meeting with Post Office chiefs over closure plans for branches around the city.

The Evening Press reported yesterday that seven York post offices could have to shut their doors as part of a nationwide cost-cutting programme.

Deputy council leader Andrew Waller has written to the Post Office asking for the proposals to be reconsidered.

He said: "The council will be seeking to meet with Post Office Ltd to see if there are alternative solutions to the removal of post offices from parts of the city.

"Residents are already contacting me to say how much of an inconvenience these closures will be to them."

Post Office bosses have said that fewer customers and increased costs have made the cuts necessary to safeguard the future of the remaining branches.

Liberal Democrat councillor Mr Waller said: "The Government has let communities down by not delivering on promises to improve the incomes of sub-post offices. So in the end sub-post masters are left with little choice but to take the money on offer and close down their post offices."

York Green Party has launched a petition to save Fishergate Post Office from closure. Party members will start collecting signatures tomorrow.

Councillor Andy D'Agorne said: "It is time to stem the tide of loss of local services in our suburbs and save this charming and vital local post office."

Updated: 11:02 Friday, August 20, 2004