NEWPORT'S Field Park post office is set to close its doors next month - but mail bosses say it will safeguard the future of other branches in the area.

The post office, of Ridgeway Avenue, Newport, will cease trading on July 23 much to the dismay of local residents.

Post Office Ltd plans to restructure and modernise 9,000 urban post offices because fewer people are using their services in many towns and cities.

Newport Councillor Matthew Evans, who campaigned with residents to save Fields Park, said: "The post office is the hub of the community so I'm very disappointed that our campaign to halt closure was unsuccessful.

"Elderly and low income residents will be severely affected, as well as local businesses who benefit from being located nearby.

"This closure is a direct result of the government's new benefits policy to pay money straight into people's bank accounts.

"This is the tip of the iceberg and I predict Newport will see closures in the future."

The chairman of Ridgeway Resident's Group, Malcolm Sholts, told The Argus: "So many local people rely on Fields Park that its closure is very upsetting for the community.

"There are many disabled people in the area who will struggle travelling to offices further afield, especially with continuing cuts in bus services."

Dave Barrett, Post Office spokesman, said: "We have received some comments from customers and the main concerns were the convenience of alternative branches and the possible effect of the proposed closure on elderly customers within the local community.

"Proposals are not made without considerable research and discussion so we are anxious that customers and all relevant organisations understand our rationale.

"The harsh reality is that many urban offices are struggling to survive because there are too many branches for the amount of business.

"We have concluded that the closure of this office will improve the long-term prospects of the other offices in the area and we are confident the alternative offices offer the right services for our customers and can cope with the extra business this closure will cause."