ALDERSHOT is set to lose two more of its post offices in March unless customers can save them from the axe.

Under plans announced this week the Post Office proposes to shut both the offices in Queen's Road and St Michael's Road. Business would be transferred to the main post office in The Galleries - already the scene of long queues at lunchtimes.

But, despite a statement that that branch would be geared up to cope with extra customers, a different picture emerged when the Star spoke to the Post Office press office. A spokeswoman claimed that "migrating traffic would be minimal" and that it could be "absorbed within current duties."

She was unable to say just how many post offices would be left in Aldershot as they only had regional figures! However, Yellow Pages shows post offices in North Town, Ash Road and Boxalls Lane. Some years ago another much loved post office in Grosvenor Road was shut down.

The closures would be part of a national programme to "restructure and modernise the network." The Post Office says that increased running costs and changes to the way benefits are paid could leave many sub-postmasters without viable businesses. The Aldershot closures have apparently been agreed with the sub-postmasters.

Aldershot MP Gerald Howarth said on Tuesday: "I very much regret these closures - they are a consequence of the government's extraordinary mismanagement of the Post Office which, under Labour's stewardship, has gone from being a profitable organisation to one facing bankruptcy."

Drew McBride, the area Head, said no final decisions would be taken until all views had been considered. Customers who are concerned should write to him by January 20 at National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL 1 5XN.