THE Epping Forest Guardian has launched a campaign to save the post offices in the Epping Forest district which are threatened with closure.

Guardian readers can support the campaign by using the online form to add their name to the petition.

Returned coupons will be presented to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing who will use them as "evidence" to prove to the Government that there is support for the retention of the threatened post offices.

Post Office Ltd's list of 67 branches which it proposes to close includes Allnutts post office, Allnutts Road, Epping; Cherry Tree Rise post office, 38 Station Way, Buckhurst Hill; Grange Hill post office, 169 Manor Road, Chigwell; Lindsey Street post office, 39 Lindsey Street, Epping; and the branches in Moreton and Willingale.

Mrs Laing: "I know the strength of feeling in local communities about the loss of their post offices. I'm pleased that some of our local post offices which were under threat of closure are now not to be closed but I'm very worried about the four small communities which will be left without a post office if this plan goes ahead.

"My colleagues in the House of Commons and I have raised this matter countless times and held debates on it but the Government don't seem to understand the importance of a focal point in a community."

Commenting on the Epping Forest Guardian's Save Our Post Offices campaign, Mrs Laing said: "I totally support the Save Our Post offices campaign.

"I would be pleased if local people make their voices heard on this matter as it then gives me the evidence to take to Government ministers about how important these post offices are."