POST offices customers said yesterday they would be losing a lifeline if seven branches threatened with the axe are closed.

Branches in Albemarle Road, Bishopthorpe Road, Boroughbridge Road, Clar-ence Street, Fishergate, Gale Lane and Holgate Road, all York, could be shut in November as part of a two-year drive to slim down the nationwide post office network.

Post Office bosses are now carrying out public consultation on the possible closures, but said that increased costs, fewer customers and changes to the way benefits are paid were threatening the entire network and the cutbacks would secure the remaining businesses' future.

David Mellows-Facer, head of area, said: "The vast majority of customers would still have a post office within a mile of their homes, although we realise that many, especially the elderly and less mobile, will be seriously affected."

But customers said they would struggle to cope without their local offices.

Trevor Harrison, of Mark-ham Crescent, York, said: "As a registered blind person I use the post office very regularly. My mother has had two hip replacements so she can't walk very far. I don't know what she would do if we lost the local post office."

An 82-year-old woman outside Fishergate post office said: "It's extremely inconvenient that they are thinking of closing this post office which is a lifeline for this community."

Copmanthorpe Post Office, in York, is to be moved 500 yards from number ten, Main Street, to Unit Nine, The Shopping Centre, Copmanthorpe.

Retail line manager Gayle Laverick said: "The new office is closer to local amenities with ample parking and can better meet the needs of customers."