COUNCILLORS have dubbed consultation on the proposed closure of a Kidderminster sub-post office a sham after it was announced it would shut despite protests.

A fall in business was blamed for the decision to close the Aggborough post office in Hoo Road on July 2 after more than 50 years of trading.

Liberal Democrat ward councillors Helen and Peter Dyke claim objections and a petition from customers against the closure and appeals by them to keep the facility open were ignored.

Mr Dyke said: "The Post Office say most concerns expressed were on the effect on elderly customers and it appears they do not see that as sufficient reason to review the closure.

"This is unacceptable. They appear to be saying the elderly and disabled do not matter. They are customers and should be taken into account."

The nearest alternative post office is in Comberton Hill just over half a mile away.

Mrs Dyke, the new Kidderminster Mayor, said they were writing to the Post Office to express their "total dissatisfaction" with the two-month consultation period which ended on May 7 and called on residents to do the same.

But Paul Maisey, the Post Office's head of area, said careful consideration had been given to the 114-name petition and 11 letters of objections.

He said: "The consultation was genuine and is part of our code of practice. An awful lot of research is carried out before proposing a closure and we take account of the postmaster or mistress's opinion."

Mr Maisey said the sub-postmistress at Aggborough wanted to give up the business because of declining custom, increased running costs and the prospect of less business when benefit payments are transferred from passbooks to bank accounts.

Sub-postmistress Kim Taylor, who has run the business for 14 years and owns the premises, declined to comment on the closure.

The post office is the third to shut in Kidderminster this year following Bewdley Road and Broadwaters closures.

Mr Maisey added it was better to have managed closures rather than uncontrolled bankruptcies, to ensure a viable network for the future.