The Post Office plans to close 42 more branches in north east Scotland, Tayside and Fife, it has announced.

It has opened a six-week public consultation to give communities a chance to air their views.

In the Howe, only the Newton of Falkland branch has been proposed for closure. It's proposed branches in Dunshelt, Strathmiglo, Auchtermuchty, Ladybank, Falkland and Freuchie remain open.

Sally Buchanan, Post Office Ltd's network development manager for Scotland, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.

"We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on, or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them."

READ THE PLANS North East, Tayside and Fife area plan [262KB]

Alan Alexander, chairman of Postwatch Scotland, said: "Post Office closures are not good news for customers, but the government has decided that a significant number are necessary to help put in place a sustainable network for the long term.

"This is not a consultation about how many post offices will close. It is about ensuring the ones that are closed minimise inconvenience to customers."

The Post Office proposals would also see the introduction of 37 outreach services in rural communities, some remaining in their existing premises.