But residents still have six weeks to have their say on the Royal Mail closure programme, which was introduced in the wake of Post Office Ltd losing millions every month.

Half-a-dozen branches have been shortlisted for closure in Wakefield, including offices in Lofthouse, Alverthorpe, Kirkhamgate, Outwood and Normanton, and people have until June 23 to voice their concerns.

Post Office bosses say custom has been lost because more people are using the internet and groups such as pensioners have cash paid directly into their bank accounts.

Do you support the closures? What impact will they have on you? Have your say in our comments section below this story, or vote in our special section on the right of this page.

The Bradford Road branch is on the list of potential closures.

Postmistress Sally Hurst said: "I was really upset when we found out, but not that surprised because we knew it was coming.

"I am surprised though to see who else is on the list and the closures seem to be geographical.

"It's not just our post office that will go, but our shop too. We've had some lovely letters of support from local people and we've all shed quite a few tears."

Meanwhile, a rally will be held outside the George Street branch in Altofts on Saturday, May 24, starting at 10am.

Adrian Wales, Post Office Ltd's network development manager for the Northeast, said closing post offices was always difficult.

He said: "We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on, or has any concern with post office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them."

Postwatch Northern England, the independent watchdog for postal services, is urging people to have their say on the closures.

Chairwoman Judith Donovan said their final opinions would be shaped by customer feedback.

She added: "Post office closures are not good news for customers, but Postwatch accepts the rationale for change.

"It is important that this happens in a way that minimises customer inconvenience and confusion."

Closures will take place up to November 2008, but 500 replacement outreach services, such as mobile post offices, will be opened across the country.

To have your say, either e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk, call 08457 223344, or write to National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, Freepost Consultation Team, no stamp is required.