SEVEN post offices in Burnley and Pendle will close permanently next month - and another five could follow soon.

Post Office Ltd announced the closures earlier this year and has now confirmed the seven branches, two in Burnley and five in Pendle, will shut after a period of public consultation.

In Burnley two out of its 23 urban offices will close -Accrington Road Post Office on September 9 and Stoneyholme Post Office on September 13.

Proposals to close five others - Briercliffe Road, Brunshaw, Oxford Road, Queen Victoria Road and Queensgate, in Colne Road - are still under consideration and Post Office bosses say a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Burnley MP Peter Pike has said he is hopeful of saving two of the five post offices, Queen Victoria Road and Accrington Road, following a meeting with regional Royal Mail top brass.

In Pendle, five out its 15 urban offices will close - New Bridge Post Office in King Edward Terrace and Barrowford and St John's Post Office in Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, will shut on September 8; Scotland Road Post Office, Nelson, and Burnley Road Post Office will close on September 11 and Leeds Road Post Office, Nelson will close on September 15.

Eddie Herbert, Post Office head of area, said: "We received a number of comments from customers and local representatives and some petitions. The main concerns expressed were about the effect of the closure on elderly customers and the convenience of nearby, alternative branches.

"While I appreciate that it will be inconvenient for some customers to use an alternative post office, I have taken into account the local terrain, parking and public transport.

"Having carefully considered all the points raised, I still believe that the permanent closure of these seven offices is the correct course of action."