HUNDREDS of people have backed a campaign against post office closures in Durham.

The branches at Nevilles Cross and Gilesgate are among 11 across the county that face the axe under a national closure programme by the Post Office to get rid of unviable operations.

The official consultation period ends on Monday, September 27, after which the company will make its decision.

Durham City councillors are campaigning against the proposed closures, which they say will take away important community facilities.

Councillors will meet Post Office officials next week to discuss the proposals.

Council cabinet member Carol Woods, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the next General Election, said: "We have had about 700 signatures, which shows the strength of feeling.

"Hopefully we'll be successful in persuading the Post Office not to go ahead with closure.

"We'll see if consultation means consultation. There is always a fear that we are just going through the motions and they'll say that they are going to close them.''

Across the region, 53 branches have already been closed.

The Post Office is axing them because it says the Government's decision to switch benefits to bank accounts has cut their business.

Councillor Woods and Councillor Barbara Howarth proposed a motion to call on the Post Office to lift the closure threat.

Councillor Howarth, who represents Gilesgate Moor on the city and county councils, said: "Local post offices provide vital services to residents as well as giving the local community a focus.

"Post office closures will hurt the most vulnerable in the community, including elderly and disabled people.

Councillor Woods added that the Government had undermined branches by changing the way benefits were paid even though the Prime Minister had professed his support for local post offices.

"It is time for Tony Blair to match his words with actions before any more communities are damaged," he said.

The regional arm of Postwatch, the postal service watchdog, is urging people to get in touch to say how the proposed closures would affect them.

People wanting to make their views known are asked to call Postwatch on 08456 013265 or write to Post Office Closures, Freepost, Postwatch