TWO more Lancaster post offices are the latest in a string of branches to be earmarked for closure.

Scotforth and West Place post office on West Road are to shut up shop on September 15 following a public consultation period.

"We have received concerns about the effect of the closure on elderly customers, but having considered the points raised, I still believe closure is the correct course of action," says Eddis Herbert, head of the post office in the area.

But Cllr Chris Coates has called the consultation exercise a 'sham' and blames the Government for putting profit before people.

"Despite two petitions, and numerous letters of protest, the wishes of local people have been completely ignored.

"The closure is a result of opening up the postal service to competition, causing the closure of a vital community service in both rural and urban areas in pursuit of profits," he adds.

The post office is currently reviewing the four-week consultation period it allows on all proposed branch closures after Lancashire County Council lobbed for it to be extended.