THE future of Fareham's biggest post office is under threat, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The landmark building in West Street, pictured above, could be shut as part of a massive cash-saving exercise.

It's one of 560 branch offices across the country which has its future hanging in the balance because they collectively made losses of £70m last year.

Post Office bosses say no decision has yet been made but at least half of those will face change or possible

closure. Today residents, MPs, union bosses and campaigners for the elderly have condemned the news.

Audrey Sitch, chairman of Fareham Community Action, said: "It's disgraceful. It would be a great loss to the town and a lot of people would be affected. It's just ridiculous because Fareham is a major town with a busy shopping centre."

Michael Ball, 72, retired, of Madison Court, Fareham, said: "I just can't see how a town centre can manage without a post office and for older people they are a lifeline. I just can't see how they can keep closing these places down, where do they expect people to go? The main post offices provide a very comprehensive service which we won't get anywhere else."

Fareham council leader Sean Woodward has now pledged to join the fight to save the branch.

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