A SMALL sub post office looks set to close in a move to safeguard the future of nearby urban branches.

Post Office Ltd announced last night that, following discussion with the local subpostmaster, the North End sub post office, in Durham, should close permanently in July.

The premises, in Fieldhouse Lane, serves a residential area just north of the city centre.

David Mellows-Facer, Post Office head of area, said: "Proposals to close Post Office branches are not made without considerable research and discussion, so we are anxious that customers and all relevant organisations understand our rationale and have the opportunity to give their views.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that customers in Durham 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 the Post Office branch.

"Having met with the subpostmaster from this branch and also with other local subpostmasters, we have concluded that if Fieldhouse Lane branch was to close, it would improve the long-term prospects of the other branches in the area.

"In particular, we have made sure that Durham Post Office branch and Framwellgate Moor Post Office branch would be fully geared up to cope with extra customers should the closure go ahead.

"Therefore, we are proposing to close this branch permanently.

"But, before we make a final decision, we want to hear of any concerns customers and others might have about the closure.

"No final decisions will be taken until we have considered all views," added Mr Mellows-Facer.

Comments should be sent to National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN, by May 27.