CAMPAIGNING residents battling to get a Southamp-ton post office reopened have vowed to continue their fight despite receiving a massive blow.

Northam Post Office bosses have revealed it will remain closed after carrying out a review following complaints.

It has been shut since former postmaster Martin Morris was convicted of staging a fake robbery to hide mounting debts.

Furious Southampton Itchen MP John Denham attacked the decision announced this week because he had been promised talks with chiefs.

Hundreds of residents have signed petitions against the closure and managers repeatedly stalled the review decision.

Dawn Humphries, pictured, secretary of the Northam Tenants' and Residents' Association, said the post office was vital because of the of disabled people, pensioners and young children in the area.

She said: "I am not happy at all with what has happened. It's not our fault it has closed - it's theirs for employing a crook.

"As far as we are concerned this is not the end and we will be exploring every avenue."

Mr Denham said: "I would be very angry if a decision has been taken to close Northam Post Office without the further talks that I believe I was promised."

He added: "I understand details of the £15m government fund for post offices in urban deprived areas will not be announced until later in December.

"I urge the Post Office to wait until then before making a final decision to see whether Northam meets the criteria to qualify for assistance that may help to keep it open."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "I'm confident that the branches nearby are suitably located and offer the right services to tend to the needs of the community."