Under government proposals to increase competition, many post offices and their staff are facing an uncertain future.

Once a sub-office goes, the village virtually dies

Ron Harrison Postmaster

However, AM Eleanor Burnham has organised a petition in an attempt to safeguard local branches.

"Welsh Liberal Democrats believe that local post offices are a vital community service and that the UK Government should do everything it can to stop the current round of closures," she said.

"The latest plans to close post offices threaten both urban and rural communities.

"These closures will impact most on the elderly, the disabled and those in poverty.

Branches closed

"The needs of vulnerable groups are not being addressed in the decision making process at all."

Earlier this year five branches in Wales closed in three months.

Ron Harrison, a postmaster in Flintshire, has said he is concerned that when he retires next year there will be no incentive for people to take on his business.

The 66-year-old, from Hope, said the post office is an integral part of village life: "Once a sub-office goes, the village virtually dies.

"Without the volume of extra trade the post office is not viable."

Some branches have transferred into convenience stores, stationers, pubs, hairdressers and even veterinary surgeons

Glenn Chester Post Office spokesman

There are still 1368 post offices in Wales and Post office spokesman Glenn Chester said they are doing all they can to prevent further closures.

"We don't want any post office branches to close but the harsh reality is that many urban offices are struggling to survive."

Post office bosses have introduced rural transfer advisers to ensure as many branches as possible stay open.

Many are not kept in their original building but re-located inside stores in the village.

Mr Chester said: "Some branches have transferred into convenience stores, stationers, pubs, hairdressers and even veterinary surgeons."

Mr Harrison who has worked in the post office for 33 years fears this will happen to his post office: "If I can't sell the business then the post office will have to look elsewhere for their counter services.

"If it went it certainly would be missed, the village is like a dartboard and we are the hub."