A rallying cry was issued by Norfolk's council leaders last night calling on everyone in the county to voice their opposition to the planned post office cull.

A rallying cry was issued by Norfolk's council leaders last night calling on everyone in the county to voice their opposition to the planned post office cull.

Despite bitter argument over potential local government reorganisation, leaders have resolved to stand united in their fight against cuts to the post office network.

They met last night as part of ongoing activity between Norfolk County Council, district councils and Norfolk Rural Community Council, to assess the full impact of the proposed closures and make a case for maintaining post office services that meet the needs of local communities.

They agreed in principle to assess the possible ways in which affected communities could be helped, whatever structural reorganisation of local councils took place in the future.

A statement read: “The leaders of councils across Norfolk are unanimous in the view that these closures strike a disastrous blow at the heart of community life.

“Post offices play a key role in providing vital services to communities across the county, and the loss of Post Office branches will have a significant detrimental effect on the quality of life on those communities affected.

“We have shared concerns about the way in which the criteria are being applied, and the manner in which the Post Office is driving forward this process - with seemingly very little regard to the real impact these closures will have, particularly in our rural areas.

“Norfolk's councils are unified in a willingness to make as strong a case as possible to Post Office and Post Watch, and to call on residents to do the same - in order to save as many branches as possible.

“Whilst we understand that we will not be able to save every proposed branch from closure, there is a concerted effort to work with local communities to help them campaign to maintain their local branch. We're not going to sit back and allow this to happen without a fight.

“Regardless of any local government reorganisation that takes place in Norfolk, we are united in fighting these closures and, should they happen, will be united in looking at how we can support them.”

A total of 69 post offices in Norfolk and west Suffolk are earmarked for closure, out of 2,500 branches nationwide - more than a sixth of the total - and the consultation deadline is June 2.

Residents wanting to voice their opinion on the closures can find out more information about how to do so by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/ postoffices.