A group of residents living near the George Street branch has gathered support since it was announced it was one of hundreds across the country facing the closure, in a cost-cutting measure by Royal Mail. It is being spearheaded by local groups Altofts Residents Together and Residents against Toxic Schemes.

They have sent more than 1,000 letters supporting the branch, which has provided a community lifeline for more than 90 years, to Post Office Ltd’s consultation team, who have the final say on which branches go.

The consultation period ended on Monday but the campaigners had hoped that the next stage in the battle would be to meet the consultation team to explain why the branch was so important to the community.

But after sending letters, the request for a meeting has been denied.

Paul Dainton, 64, of Altofts Lodge Drive, said: “We have written outlining the reasons why the post office should stay open but we believe if they came and saw for themselves where the post office is and how important it is, they would not be shutting it.

“With this amount of people writing to object, surely we have the right to meet the bureaucrats? First and foremost we want to know why they have come to the decision that Upper Altofts isn’t viable?

“If all the people who use this branch were forced to go to Normanton the knock-on effect would be tremendous – they are already queuing out the door.

“And it may just be a mile, but for pensioners and people pushing buggies it will be incredibly difficult – even the footpath isn’t good enough. We want people to come down and see this for themselves.

“The consultation is absolute nonsense if they do not listen to the public, especially when we have such a forum for it like here in Altofts.”

Post Office Ltd said it was trying agree to as many meetings as possible.

A spokesman said: “Unfortunately we are not able to meet all requests. However, we have met the council and MP’s office and all correspondence received during the consultation period will be taken in to consideration before a final decision is made on any proposal.”

l Keep up with the campaign at www.altofts.talk-talk.net or go to ART’s next meeting on Monday, July 21 at Lee Brigg Club on St Mary’s Road at 7.30pm.