TWO Ferryhill post office branches are to close as part of a national shake-up of the service.

The Post Office Ltd has agreed with the subpostmasters of the Cleves Cross branch on Brancepeth Road, and the Broom branch on Dean Road, that they should close permanently in August.

The closures are part of a national programme to restructure and modernise its network of urban branches.

Managers say changes to the way benefits are paid mean the Ferryhill branches are no longer viable.

Area head David Mellows-Facer said: "We have a responsibility to ensure that customers in Ferryhill will continue to have reasonable access to local Post Office products and services.

"Even after any changes are made, well over 95 per cent of customers will still live within a mile of a Post Office branch.

"Having met with the subpostmasters from these branches, we have concluded that if the Cleves Cross and Broom branches were to close it would improve the long-term prospects of the other branches in the area.

"In particular, we have made sure that the Ferryhill Post Office branch on Eldon Terrace, and the West End Post Office branch on Parker Terrace would be fully geared up to cope with extra customers should the closures go ahead."

Before a final decision is made, the Post Office wants to hear of any concerns customers might have about the closures and about the services provided by alternative branches.

Any comments can be sent to Mr Mellows-Facer before June 17, to National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN.