ANGRY postal workers from across the North West headed down to Westminster on Wednesday to lobby MPs over proposed job losses.

Eight workers from Preston and South Ribble joined around 100 from the region in the protest, aimed at forcing a re-think over proposals that could see more than 30,000 jobs cut in a cost-cutting programme.

The workers argue that job cuts will save Consignia money, but will hurt the service received by the public.

Andy Tatchell, Communication Workers Union (CWU) branch secretary, said: "What is being forgotten is that the service is a service for the public.

"They're talking about 30,000 jobs going, but that is hardly going to make the service better."

The protesting workers will be meeting with their local MPs to ask them to support their case and protect their jobs.

The CWU say they conducted a public survey, which found that 89 per cent of the population would support a two pence increase in the cost of stamps -- raising much needed cash and help cut losses.

Ray Atkinson, Preston branch chairman for the CWU, said: "The cost of a first class stamp is 27 pence, but it costs around 28 pence to deliver it.

"For 20 years we have made a profit, and it's just in the last two years we have made a deficit. We're saying it is time for the Government to support us."

David Borrow MP said: "I will certainly be meeting them as I chair the parliamentary Labour Party trade and industry committee.

"We have had two meetings about the post office. We are currently seeking a meeting with the new chief of Post Office Ltd, the branch of Consignia that deals with deliveries.

"I'm hopeful the regulator will look at increasing the first class stamps by one pence."

A spokesman for Preston MP Mark Hendrick said he had not received an invitation to meet with theworkers.

bhewes@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk