A Fareham post office is set to close as part of a massive shake-up of urban outlets across Hampshire.

The High Street branch on Wickham Road has been earmarked for closure because of falling customer numbers.

According to Post Office bosses the branch could be closed by February subject to a consultation with locals.

Post Office head of area Drew McBride said: "We have looked extremely carefully at this proposal. Just to reach the consultation phase, local managers have spent many months identifying how to improve the commercial balance of branches.

"We have taken into account many issues such as close proximity to other offices, long-term viability, provision of services and naturally the wishes of the sub post-master.

"We believe the closure of the Fareham High Street branch is the most appropriate option."

Sub-postmaster of the branch for the last 13 years, Amanda Woolf, said she was backing to the proposal.

She said: "I would agree with what has been said. There has been a loss of customers and it seems like the most viable option to consider closing this office."

But the move has prompted strong criticism from Fareham MP Mark Hoban.

He said: "I am very disappointed to learn that the Wickham Road post office has been earmarked for closure. I am sure it will be a great loss to residents.

"I know the Post Office had intended to close one in three post offices over the next few years but I am concerned that we don't know how many other post offices in the Fareham area will close. I would much rather that we knew which post offices were being closed rather than them being picked off one-by-one.

"I think the Post Office should let us know what their plans are."

Mr Hoban also encouraged residents to take out Post Office account cards in an effort to ensure their local branches stayed.

He added: "Taking out an account card means people will still be able to get benefits and pensions over the Post Office counter rather than have it paid into a bank."

His views were echoed by users of the High Street branch.

Fareham resident Jane Spencer said: "I do not agree with closing branches down. It is handy to have them on the odd corner here and there, particularly for the elderly. It is a shame that services on your doorstep are disappearing."

Anthony Tattersall added: "I think it should certainly remain open. The local branches are what many people rely on."

The nearest Post Office for customers will be the main Fareham office on West Street around half a mile away.

The Post Office is asking for residents and local representatives to air their views about the proposals.

Feedback must be sent to them by December 31.

The news comes as the government announces plans to throw a potential lifeline to rural post offices.

A package that amounts to £150m investment over the next three years comes in response to fears that up to 80 per cent of rural outlets were under threat of closure.

Chief Executive of Post Office Ltd David Mills said: "We believe the money and approach being adopted by the government should provide some stability for rural Post Office branches for the next few years.

"This is an important first step in helping us keep rural Post Office branches running so that we can continue to serve customers in rural areas, however, the rural network still faces huge challenges.

"Ultimately if local people want their Post Office branches to stay open they need to use them, as do government departments, local authorities, banks and utility companies."