The closure of the Halifax Road Post Office will go ahead despite a 110-signature petition, say Post Office chiefs.

Keighley man William Wallace gathered support from most residents of the Westgate Gardens high-rise flats last month.

But the petition was sent to the Post Office too late to influence its decision to shut the branch on April 5.

Sub-postmistress Diane Myers plans to retire and her bosses have agreed that the branch can close.

The Halifax Road branch -- which is in South Street -- was robbed 18 months ago by men who left Mrs Myers bound and gagged.

The branch is one of several in towns across the country being closed as part of a restructuring by Post Office Ltd.

When the Halifax Road branch was earmarked for closure, ward councillor Lynne Joyce campaigned to save it.

A special Neighbourhood Forum was held at Farish House -- one of several sheltered housing complexes in the locality -- where pensioners called for a replacement service.

Cllr Joyce said: "Many residents have mobility problems and have a great need for post office services in their neighbourhood.

Post Office Ltd this week insisted there would be no temporary or mobile service to replace the Halifax Road branch.

Residents will in future have to travel to post offices in central Keighley or on Oakworth Road.

A Post Office spokesman said there was a one-month consultation period when customers, councillors and local organisations were asked for their views.