AN MP has announced his disappointment over a decision to close a post office and claimed that the public consultation was a mere paper exercise.

Protestors fighting the closure of Picktree Lane Post Office, in Chester-le-Street, have reacted with dismay to the announcement that the branch will be axed.

The decision was taken after a few weeks of consultation with residents and councillors and the company says the re-organisation is designed to safeguard the future of urban branches that are chasing insufficient business.

It blames increased costs and changes in the way that benefits are being paid straight into bank accounts.

But those leading the fight to keep the post office open claim their objections have been ignored.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who has been supporting the campaign, said: "This disappointing decision by the Post Office flies in the face of public opinion.

"It was clear to me from the beginning that this is a well-used post office and local people rely heavily on the service it provides.

"Opposition to its closure was well demonstrated. It makes me wonder why the Post Office bothered to consult with people when it appears a decision had more or less been made to close it anyway."

Chester-le-Street District Councillor Chris Jukes, had been fighting the closure with his late colleague, Councillor Keith Lambert, who died on June 7.

Coun Jukes said: "Unfortunately, the consultation team seems to be nothing more than a rebuttal unit.

"Although we were very impressed with the fact that the Post Office head of area came up for a meeting with us from the South Midlands, we would have thought the consultation team would take our comments on board.

"It wasn't just one or two people objecting."

The branch will close on August 13 and customers will have to use the post offices on Front Street and in South Pelaw.

The Post Office said before the public consultation began, it had already carried thorough investigations into the move.

A spokeswoman said: "We followed the correct consultation process over this proposed closure, which was agreed nationally with the consumer watchdog Postwatch.

"The decision to close a branch is never made without considerable research and discussion."