They are: Hopton, Jackroyd Lane; Knowle, The Knowle, Mifield; Staincliffe, Halifax Road; Savile Town, Warren Street; Whitley, The Woolpack Inn.

The announcement today by Post Office Ltd is part of plans to cut the national network by 2,500 branches.

Under the plans, 99.8% of the area's population will see no change or will remain within one mile of an alternative branch.

Adrian Wales, Post Office Ltd's network development manager for the North East, said: "Post Office Ltd's aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access set by the Government.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in this area, bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and the other factors we have to take into account."

Post Office Ltd is now asking the public for their views on the proposed closures to make sure the right branches are selected for closure or replacement with an 'outreach service'.

To give your views write to Adrian Wales, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, email consultation@postoffice.co.uk or phone the customer helpline on 08457 22 33 44. All comments must be received by June 23.

For more on the closure plans see Friday's Reporter.