FEARS were growing for post offices across Wirral threatened with closure after a local MP revealed he had been informed at least two would be shut.

Despite huge local campaigns run by all political parties, and even the intervention of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Wirral South MP Ben Chapman said he had been given advance notice of the closures.

He said Royal Mail had informed him that the post offices in Lower Heswall and Spital would be shut.

Last night Royal Mail refused to confirm or deny any details ahead of today’s expected announcement.

Brian Kewley, postmaster at Lower Heswall, said he could not comment until the formal announcement, but admitted it felt “very demoralising”.

However, Mr Chapman said: “I am disappointed and angry that such a decision has been taken.

“I presented petitions on behalf of customers of Lancelyn Court and Lower Heswall Post Offices in the House of Commons.

“Signatories numbered over 6,000 – a number the Post Office evidently chose to ignore.

“After having spoken to the Prime Minister about the importance of both post offices’ continued existence, I am astonished that the Post Office has failed to take on board the strong case we have made for retention.”

Paula Southwood, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Wirral South, who led a significant campaign to try to save the post offices, said it was “deeply disheartening news” after the local residents and councillors worked so hard to keep the post office open.

She said: “When the local MP questioned whether the local people would be listened to he was assured by Prime Minister Gordon Brown that there would be a proper consultation.

“This appears not to have been the case.”

Last November, Sir Paul McCartney used words from a famous Beatles song in backing a campaign to save the Lower Heswall office from closure.

“Please help,” he said in a statement read out by his younger brother Mike, who is Wirral’s cultural ambassador, outside the post office in Village Road, Lower Heswall.

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