Post Office branches will close

The local authority criticised the closures in Huddersfield

The Post Office is to close nine branches in one West Yorkshire town, it has been announced.

Post Offices bosses revealed the branches, all in Huddersfield, will close as part of a restructuring move by the government.

Coun Andrew Palfreeman from Kirklees Council said it was "another kick in the teeth" for the local community.

The branches being shut were first earmarked for closure by the Post Office in August 2007.

Mr Palfreeman added: "Many of these post offices are at the hub of the local community and a focal point for providing services that go beyond those of the postal service.

"This is another bitter blow for small and rural communities in the Huddersfield area, and for Kirklees in the wider sense."

The branches closing are at Birchencliffe; Acre Street, Oakes; Quarmby Road, Quarmby; Woodhead Road, Upper Holme Valley; Wooldale Road, Wheathouse Road; Birkby; 313 Leeds Road, Huddersfield; 221-225 Lockwood Road, Lockwood and St Thomas Rd, Longroyd Bridge.

The Post Office said: "We believe that the plan offers our customers in this area the best prospect for a sustainable network for the future."