A CAMPAIGN has been launched to prevent a post office from closing.

Billingham councillors Colin Leckonby and Lynne Apediale have launched a fight to save the post office in the town's Low Grange Avenue after it was earmarked for closure.

They are concerned that 12,000 residents would be left without a local post office if closure goes ahead. They would have to travel to Billingham town centre or Wolviston village.

Coun Leckonby said: "It is not fair that the elderly or parents with small children would have the extra burden, both physically and financially, of taking a trip out of the ward to collect pensions or benefits from the post office.

"Local shopkeepers would also have to travel into Billingham town centre to bank their takings, causing extra cost and a security risk."

They have sent their concerns to Postwatch.

The post office is one of 13 in Teesside that may be closed by August following a restructuring programme.

David Mellows-Facer, head of the Northern area for the Post Office, said: "The harsh reality is that many of our urban offices are struggling to survive because their area has too many branches for the amount of business."