JUST hours after the Daily Echo revealed Post Office plans to close ten of its branches in Southampton, residents joined forces and prepared for battle.

In Shirley, where two post offices are threatened with closure, residents called for people to make their views heard.

Diane Healey, 32, of Howard's Grove in Shirley said she would do whatever she could to fight the plans.

"It's disgusting," she said.

"I really feel for the elderly who rely on their post offices. All our vital services are being stripped away. I am going to write to the government."

The plans come as part of a Post Office cost-cutting exercise that will see 3,000 branches close across the country. Six post offices have already closed in Southampton and Winchester.

A total of 12 more are due to shut following a two-month consultation period, including one in Eastleigh and one in Winchester.

In January 2003 residents unsuccessfully fought the closure of the Bitterne Road West Post Office in Southampton and the Kingsway Post Office in Chandler's Ford.

Stephen MacLoughlin, 42, is the Conservative Party Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Test. He works at an office in Shirley Road and is a regular customer at the Shirley Road Post Office, one of ten in the city facing the axe.

Mr MacLoughlin said: "The planned closures in Southampton are part of the national picture.

"People are entitled to feel angry about the planned closure of local post offices across Southampton. It is not as if we are seeing any improvement in other post office services as a consequence.

"The only action that will make any difference now is if enough people respond to the consultation exercise."

Gary Hepburn, South and West regional manager of Post Office watchdog Postwatch, urged people to voice their concerns.

Mr Hepburn said: "During the consultation period, Postwatch will asseSs a range of information in relation to this proposal, including transport links, geographic and demographic data, disabled access and facilities, the ability of remaining post offices to absorb extra business and the range of services offered. Postwatch will also listen to local concerns as to why the offices should not close.

"When customers write to us, we want them to tell us how they will be affected, how easy it is for them to access alternative post offices in the area, any particular difficulties they will encounter and not just to tell us they oppose or support the closure."

Residents have until Friday, November 5 to contact Postwatch on 08456 013265 to express their opposition.

Let us know your views. Phone Sarah Gomme at the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4500, or e-mail sarah.gomme@soton-echo.co.uk