ALMOST 100 people in Stow Hill have signed a petition against the threatened closure of their local post office.

West Park Post Office in Risca Road is one of more than 20 offices which could close as part of a national programme to modernise the service.

The Post Office is currently consulting on the proposals, but residents who would be affected by the closures have reacted angrily.

Fern Coster, 27 of Gaer Street, has joined the protests and started her own petition to make a case for the West Park Post Office to stay open.

She said: "This is a vital service but instead of being a convenient place to pay bills, going to the post office is turning into some sort of day out.

"It's not easy to park in the city centre, if you have kids or a car.

"As part of our campaign we are asking the Post Office to have a heart, as the Post Office is at the heart of the community.

"We've had had about 90 people sign the petition so far, and we're putting together a submission about the difficulties with public transport to send in as part of the consultation."

The campaigners' efforts have joined other voices in opposing the closures.

Conservative ward councillors in Allt-yr-yn and nearby Stow Hill have already started a petition in a bid to save the branch.

Councillor David Fouweather said they have made written representations to the Post Office.

He said: "As local members we will continue to support our residents and fight to save this vital local service."

Two other branches in Newport are also under threat, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Islwyn could lose four each, and Blaenau Gwent would lose six if the Post Office proposals go ahead.