THREE east Durham post offices are to be closed despite a hard fought campaign.

The Post Office yesterday confirmed that the sub offices at Dawdon, New Seaham and Horden will be axed later this year. Post Office bosses say the decision has been made because there are too few customers for the three branches and other offices in the area will become more efficient as a result.

A Post Office spokesman said there would be no reprieve for the offices despite several representations, petitions, opposition from elected local council members and an appeal from Easington's MP John Cummings.

The main concern from the community was that the closures would seriously disadvantage elderly residents who would have to travel to neighbouring branches.

Expressing his disappointment at the closures Mr Cummings said the loss of the three offices represented a "big cut in services for people in those areas who rely on benefits and services provided by their local post office".

However, he said he had been given an assurance that there would be no further post office closures in the Easington area.