POLITICIANS in Cumbria are urging communities to keep fighting to save those post offices on the hit list for closure.

Wesmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said customers should continue writing letters in support of the branches being axed.

"I am appalled that the Government has forced this closure plan on us, and I still hope that we can save the post offices that have been earmarked for closure or downgrading," said Mr Farron.

Cumbria County Council leader Tim Stoddard said the Post Office should extend its consultation to give the authority chance to "prepare an action programme".

"Now we have finally seen the list of threatened branches, it is ridiculous to expect communities to work alongside us and our partners in drawing up plans on how to save their post office in a matter of weeks."

Keith Phillips, joint leader of Eden District Council, said: "We will be lobbying the Post Office hard to ensure that none of our local residents are short-changed by any cuts in services.

"This is an issue that unites the council in retaining these vital rural services in Eden and I would urge all councillors to support our opposition to some of these closures."

Meanwhile, Richard Dodd, the north of England regional director of the Countryside Alliance, insisted "the fight doesn't end here".

"Post offices are the social heart of many communities, and the Government must look at the bigger picture before deciding the fate of many of our local communities . . ."