The Post Office will announce details of more cuts next year

Plans to shut 44 branches in some areas of Scotland were announced by the Post Office on Monday.

Proposals for more closures in other parts of the country will be announced next year.

Deputy Scottish Conservative leader Murdo Fraser wants local residents to write to the company, detailing their concerns and objections.

The MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said rural areas like Perthshire would be hardest hit by the proposed closures unless local opposition was voiced.

'Drastic impact'

He said: "The Post Office has made it clear that it is willing to close a high number of local post office branches in Scotland, which will have a drastic impact on local communities that depend on their post office.

"I am in no doubt that the Post Office is preparing for a far-reaching cut and that is why we must see local campaigns to protect our post offices branches.

After any closure, customers will still have access to post office services Post Office spokesperson

"In many villages and towns in Perthshire, the post office plays a pivotal role in the community."

Mr Fraser added: "I urge local residents and groups that use our post offices to make their voice heard and let the Post Office know that their cuts are not wanted here in Perthshire."

An announcement on which branches will be shut in Tayside, north east Scotland and Fife is expected in April 2008.

Details of closures in the Highlands and the Western and Northern Isles will be released earlier in the spring.

Strict criteria

Other areas will learn which post offices will be affected in June and July, with all the changes scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

The Post Office said that "the status quo is not an option" as the government had already announced 2,500 branches would close.

A post office spokesperson said: "Post Office Ltd has to take into account the strict criteria laid down by the UK Government that applies to both urban and rural areas, before producing its proposals.

"After any closure, customers will still have access to post office services.

"A consultation of six weeks will take place and we will want to hear from the public on whether the proposals mean they are unable to access post office services in the future."

The Post Office has to make sure 95% of the total population in rural areas will be within three miles of their nearest branch.