A WATCHDOG group has lodged a formal objection against the proposal to close some post offices in Prestwich and Whitefield.

The public consultation period for the closures came to an end on Tuesday (March 30). And now Postwatch has opposed shutting down five of the post office branches in Bury South.

Hundreds of signatures have been collected over the past six weeks in support of keeping a total of 13 post offices across the borough open.

Postwatch is opposing the closure of branches in Besses o'th' Barn, Hillock, Bury New Road in Whitefield, Whittaker Lane in Prestwich, and Chapelfield in Radcliffe.

Other branches earmarked for closure in Bury South are at Danesway, Prestwich, Park Lane, Whitefield, and Radcliffe Hall.

Judith Donovan, chairman of Postwatch North England, said: "We are deeply concerned about the closures in the Bury area. Five adjacent branches are being put forward to close, which will leave a void north of the M60 stretching more than five miles."

Cathy Evans, a campaigner for the Labour Party in Prestwich, said: "The community in Prestwich has made it clear that they value our local Post Offices and want to keep them open. This is obvious from the massive response we have had to our petitions. The Post Office network invited consultation so we hope they will now listen to our concerns."