Brightside MP David Blunkett has revealed the Wadsley Bridge branch has been spared in what he claimed was a "victory for common sense".

But other branches still face closure - unless Sheffield Council can persuade Post Office bosses to allow sites to be taken over and run as public services.

A meeting is due to be held between managers and council representatives a week on Friday to look at ideas such as reopening some branches in council buildings.

Customers at the one branch to be saved, at Leppings Lane garage, were delighted. Pat Jackson, who lives on Leppings Lane, said: "It's absolutely marvellous news. This branch would have been really missed particularly because there is the Eskdale estate nearby where there are a lot of pensioners."

Jillian Rodgers, who works at Hillfoot Steel, added: "There's plenty of people who use it - it's ideally situated. We'd otherwise have to get in our cars and drive to Hillsborough."

But there was disappointment in High Wincobank, where the Wincobank Avenue branch is one of those shutting.

June Smith, chairman of Flower Estate Community Association, said: "The other branch in Wincobank is at the bottom of the hill and is a long way to go.

"We are having a new housing estate built here with 300 new homes - closing this branch now is a bit short sighted."

Alistair Tice, of Sheffield Communities Against Post Office Closures, said: "It's disgusting that so many are closing despite the huge campaign."

MPs were informed of the decisions yesterday. The Post Office was making a formal announcement today, which will also reveal the fate of branches in Barnsley, Chesterfield, Dronfield and Rotherham.

But Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven, who has organised a city-wide petition, said the council had not been told the decisions in advance.

He said today.: "We hope that the people of Sheffield are listened to and more can be saved."

Mr Blunkett said: "I am very pleased indeed that Post Office has agreed to retain the Wadsley Bridge branch. "This is not only a victory for common sense, but for the capacity of people prepared to campaign.

"I will continue seeking ways to secure the service for those for whom a trip to Lower Wincobank or Firth Park would be extremely difficult."

Other branches in his constituency - Grimesthorpe, Hatfield House Lane and Southey - are set to go.

Hillsborough MP Angela Smith confirmed the Post Office had decided go ahead with closures at Loxley and Deepcar. She called on the Post Office to give branches a "period of grace".

All four threatened branches in Richard Caborn's constituency - Crookes Valley Road, Shalesmoor, The Moor, which has already shut, and Western Road - are set to go.

Mr Caborn said: "This meeting between the council and Post Office is now key."

Hallam MP Nick Clegg, confirmed branches at Oakbrook Road, Parkhead and Silverhill, were to go.

He said: "The Post Office has just ignored local opinion and continued with the Labour Government's closure programme.

Heeley MP Meg Munn, whose constituency is home to two threatened branches, at Derbyshire Lane and Park Grange Drive, was unavailable for comment.




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