Fife Council Leader Peter Grant is urging Fifers to get their views heard before consultation ends on plans to close fifteen Post Offices across the Kingdom.

The final date for Post Office Ltd to receive representations is Tuesday 8th July.

"This is our last chance to fight these ill thought-out and short-sighted plans which could rip the heart out of communities across the length and breadth of Fife, " said Cllr Grant.

"I would urge every man woman and child to write or e-mail Post Office Ltd protesting against the closure plans.

"It is absurd that we as a Council have just given much needed new businesses to these branches with our hugely successful bill payment service and now Post Office Ltd is planning to axe them and slash service in others.

"If the branches are closed it will be devastating news especially for people living in our regeneration areas.  But I'd like to re-assure all the communities affected that Fife Council will never abandon you - in fact we'll redouble our efforts to bring new investment and business into your area," he added.

Presently the following branches are under threat : Dalbeath Crescent Post Office (PO) in Cowdenbeath, Denbeath PO in Leven, Dundonald Park PO in Cardenden, Glencraig PO in Crosshill, Halbeath PO, Hillend PO, Keltyhill PO, North Street PO in Glenrothes, Lower Largo PO, Newton of Falkland PO, Pathhead PO in Kirkcaldy, Scoonie Road PO in Leven, Torryburn PO, Transy PO in Dunfermline and Westport PO in Cupar.  Reductions in service at Springfield and Guardbridge PO's are also planned.

You can give your views to Post Office Ltd in three ways:- By phoning 08457 22 33 44;  in writing to: National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, Freepost Consultation Team  (no stamp is needed for Freepost addresses); or by e-mail - go to http://www.postoffice.co.uk/, and following the links to: services and information, network change, current public consultations.  Fife Post Office  branches are part of the consultation involving the North East, Tayside and Fife.