YET another Hampshire post office is under threat of closure.

Following the massive cull of 61 post offices announced earlier this month, Post Office Ltd is now consulting on plans to close another branch.

The post office at Whitsbury, near Fordingbridge, is the latest to have the axe hanging over its head.

A six-week public consultation on the proposal to shut it for good started this week.

Initially, there were plans for an outreach service in Whitsbury in the form of restricted post office services being provided from third-party premises such as mobile post offices or a home delivery service.

These plans have now been dropped and the consultation is based on the plan that the branch should close without any replacement service being set up.

Postal watchdog Postwatch is urging locals to take part in the consultation on the Whitsbury branch.

Christina Baron, chairman of southern branch of Postwatch, said: "Post office closures are not good news for customers but the Government has decided that a significant number are necessary to help put in place a sustainable network for the long term.

"Postwatch accepts the rationale for change. That means Post Office Ltd's decisions must be sensible and public consultation meaningful."

The branches already destined for closure will shut from next month. The deadline for responses about Whitsbury Post Office is March 3 and representations can be sent to consultation@postoffice.co.uk.