Commenting on the proposed closures, Chairman of London Councils Councillor Merrick Cockell said:

"If the Post Office gets its way London will have lost nearly half of its branches over a five year period. This is simply unacceptable. Our outrage at the proposed cuts to the London postal service does not stem from a romantic attachment to the local post office, but rather at the removal of a service that is vital to all parts of the capital including the poorest and most vulnerable communities.

"For many people the Post Office is the lifeblood of the high street, it sustains other local businesses and offers an essential service to the capitals' most vulnerable people who may conduct their financial affairs in cash and suffer mobility problems.

"London Councils has engaged in a long battle with the Post Office to try and keep the service as close to communities as possible.

"Over the next six weeks London Councils will be actively supporting boroughs to make sure the Post Office's consultation over the closures is responsive to the needs of local people and boroughs' local economies."