The closure of a post office in Hartlepool has been criticised by local residents.

Residents in the Headland area of Hartlepool have criticised the closure of a post office described as "a lifeline" to local people.

The Heugh Post Office in Northgate has been closed since Thursday due to an audit, but has not yet been re-opened.

According to the Hartlepool Mail, the decision has caused difficulty for pensioners who have had to either travel around three miles to the next nearest site or seek out post office alternatives.

Local resident John Cambridge told the newspaper: "It's a lifeline for the older people around here and if it were to close for good it would be devastating for them.

"We haven't got much down here and people would have to go to Hartlepool town centre for the services the post office provides."

The East Grinstead Courier and Observer recently reported that people in West Hoathly are concerned by plans to turn a local shop and post office into a three-bedroom house.

Article Added: 10/06/2009 09:37:03