Shade and Portsmouth post offices are under threat as both were included in a list of 63 branches to be closed in West Yorkshire, including seven in the Calder Valley, as part of the 'Network Change' programme.

Brenda Richardson, postmaster at Portsmouth post office, said the news did not come as a complete surprise. She said: "I think the whole of the country knew what was going to happen and it was our turn this time.

"Everybody would like a post office on their doorstep but the way the world is now that doesn't happen. Most of our business has been taken away from us so there is no need for people to come to us."

She has enjoyed her time at the post office but was disappointed with how it was coming to an end. She said: "I'm really happy with the support I have received from customers. I've been here a long time and I'm happy with my lot over the years. It's just sad it ends like this.

"The local supporters should now concentrate on getting people through the doors of the post offices that are left or else more will close."

Jim Toye thought the closure of Shade post office, at which he is postmaster, was very disappointing for the village. He said: "There are three blocks of flats for elderly people and they can walk to the post office to do their transactions. They don't like going into the town centre. It breaks up the community a bit."

He said everybody has the opportunity to protest and there are leaflets in the post office, as well as an address to which people can write.

Councillors have pledged to support the local post offices theatened by closure. Calderdale Council has produced a questionnaire and a petition, both of which are available online by visiting the council's website (www.calderdale.gov.uk) and paper copies are available in council libraries and public buildings. Several public meetings have been organised by the council, including one at Todmorden Town Hall on Wednesday May 21 at 6pm.

Coun Ruth Goldthorpe (Lib Dem, Todmorden) said the Calder Valley is one of the hardest hit areas in West Yorkshire and was worried about the effect of the closures on local communities. She said: "We have got to fight to save them if we can. There have been too many closures. We need to invest in our post offices, not shut them down."

Coun Olwen Jennings (Lib Dem, Todmorden) said the post offices offer a valuable service, particularly for families and elderly people. She said: "The two up for closure means that people have to make a bus ride into Todmorden or up to Cornholme. If you are on a limited income, travelling on the bus to pick up your pension is just not on.

"I go into my local post office regularly and if people haven't seen someone for a while they ask how they are and can look up on them. That will be lost."

Coun Ian Cooper (Con, Todmorden), was shocked at the extent of the closures.