Tractor protest over post closure

Dozens of branches in South Yorkshire are earmarked for closure

A convoy of tractors brought traffic to a standstill as part of a campaign by villagers in South Yorkshire to stop the closure of their local post office.

The protest was timed to coincide and cause disruption to the St Leger race meeting in Doncaster on Saturday.

Residents marched through the town centre and handed in a petition against the closure of the Clayton branch.

Dozens of post offices have been listed for closure in the county as Royal Mail seeks to cut branch numbers.

Campaigners said the Clayton branch was the community's only shopping amenity and closure would mean elderly people having to travel to the next village.

One protester said: "We want everybody to see how strongly we feel.

"We want everybody to know that this is our post office, our service and we want this service."

A public consultation period has now begun and the Post Office said all representations should be received by 22 September.

Councillor Jonathan Wood said: "If it really is a process of public consultation and they are asking for our views, it's a shame they are not here to listen today."