Talks over post offices closures

The branches facing the axe were first announced in August

Post Office bosses and councillors will meet later to discuss whether branches earmarked for closure in Sheffield can be saved.

Earlier this month the Post Office announced only the Wadsley Bridge branch would stay open out of 16 across the city threatened with closure.

Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven said the Post Office's reasons for the decision "did not add up".

The closures are part of a restructuring move by the government.

A 20,000-strong petition against the closures was gathered in Sheffield last month and taken to Downing Street.

Mr Scriven said: "We are hoping the Post Office will be willing to share information with us about why they've chosen the post offices they have.

"Some of their reasons so far don't add up. For instance, Post Office Ltd acknowledges there is no public transport to the next nearest branch for people who used Loxley, Derbyshire Lane and Park Grange post offices, but expect people to travel to the city centre instead.

"We are keen to explore all the options open to us to maintain the post office service throughout Sheffield."