A VILLAGE post office is set to close in two months after bosses blamed a fall in business.

The shock announcement that Shuttleworth Post Office is due to shut in April was revealed yesterday (Mon Feb 3) as part of a national programme of urban closures.

Although the news has caused concern among local councillors, Mr David Cope, subpostmaster of the branch in Whalley Road, has given his support to the proposals put forward by Post Office Ltd.

Coun Barry Theckston told the Bury Times: "This post office branch provides a vital service in Shuttleworth, especially for the local elderly community.

"Recently it was the base for Ramsbottom Against Landfill's (RALF) campaign."

"I will be writing to Post Office Ltd with my concerns and bringing it up at the Ramsbottom and Tottington Area Board. I would urge others to do the same."

Coun Dorothy Gunther added that local residents would be forced to drive or to catch a bus to the nearest post office, one of which is located in King Street in the town centre and the other in Bolton Street, if the Shuttleworth branch was to close.

The proposal to close the post office was made following a "preference exercise" where submasters across the country were asked to indicate "their wishes for the future".

Post Office Ltd agreed with Mr Cope that the office should close in April.

Eddie Herbert, area manager for Post Office Ltd, said: "In the case of Shuttleworth, a declining number of customers, increased running costs, and the prospect of even less business once the Department of Works and Pensions transfers benefit payments from passbooks to bank accounts, has prompted the subpostmaster to want to leave our business."

He added: "We have considered this request very carefully and have concluded that if this office were to close, it would improve the long-term prospects of other offices in the area, two of which are within 0.9 of a mile.

"But before we make a final decision we are keen to hear of any concerns customers and others might have about the closure and about the services provided by the nearest, alternative offices."

Concerns and comments can be made in writing to the National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN by February 28.