AN MP has branded a Post Office consultation over a branch closure as a 'sham,' after leaflets announcing the decision appear to have been printed months ago.

The information booklets announcing the decision to close the Picktree Lane Post Office in Chester-le-Street were circulated after the company had canvassed opinion with the public over the closure.

Such was the strength of opposition to the closure in Chester-le-Street, that North West Durham MP Kevan Jones accused the company's consultation - which finished in June - as being a mere paper exercise.

The Post Office hit back by saying the public survey was carried out to ensure there were no issues they had overlooked in their own investigations, and that it had been in line with Postwatch guidelines.

Now Mr Jones has written to the organisation, drawing its attention to the leaflet handed in by one of his constituents, Donald Mitchell, of Chester-le-Street, which informs people of the closure.

The small print on the back of the booklet states it was printed in March 2003. The MP ended his letter to the Post Office: "I believed that the consultation was a sham and this simply confirms it."

The leaflet informed customers that the branch would shut on Wednesday, August 13, and contained details of other branches people could use, along with opening times, transport, access and services they provide.

The Post Office claims the booklet is a template, as branch closures have been made all over the country as part of a national shake-up. The closures have been made to safeguard urban branches, which have suffered since benefits started being paid directly into bank accounts.

A spokeswoman said: "We have used the same leaflet for all the Post Offices across the country. It's a template. Once the decision has been made, then the relevant Post Office details have been entered."

Mr Jones added: "Why make a template in March saying the Post Office was going to close? I think it's absolute rubbish. Did they make a template saying it was going to be kept open?"