THE PROPOSED closure of 3,000 urban post offices nationwide has led to fears for local post offices of Wharfedale and Aireborough.

Leeds city councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley and Wharfedale) is concerned that post offices in towns in the area could be among the thousands to go in the restructuring of the service.

But it is not yet clear which post offices will close, and how many branches in the area have been officially designated as urban. The Post Office has confirmed that three offices in Otley have been categorised as urban.

The Government said it would not close rural post offices, and postmasters at urban post offices would be offered the chance to volunteer for closure.

Councillor Kirkland said: "Details of initiatives to improve Post Offices and the consultation process to be involved are sketchy. "

Reforms to postal deliveries could also be detrimental to the area, said Coun Kirkland.

He said that early morning deliveries in areas designated as 'town centres' are to be replaced with midday deliveries.

"I believe this will be bad for local business and bad for the Post Office because major users will seek alternative providers," said Coun Kirkland.

Menston postmaster Peter Finlay, who is also the regional secretary of the Federation of Subpostmasters, said many postmasters may want to leave the business, as its traditional services are becoming available elsewhere.

He said increasing numbers of people running post offices are finding they are making little money.

His own post office, on Main Street, will not be closed in the restructuring, as it is classed as rural.

Mr Finlay said: "I think what we're really talking about is situations where there are two post offices within reasonably close proximity. The core business of the post office has declined over the last few years. Postage stamps are now sold through supermarkets and other outlets."

Government reforms of benefitpayments are expected to lead to pensions and other benefits being paid directly into bank accounts - removing more of the Post Office's traditional services.

A spokeswoman for Post Office Ltd said: "Letters have been sent to subpostmasters giving them options on the future and the results will be used in conjunction with other factors to create a sustainable urban network of post offices in Otley."

She said sustainability and modernisation would be vital to secure the future of the Post Office branches in towns and cities, and said there would be consultation before any change.

"Restructuring may involve a branch relocating to a more suitable location, or if two branches are very close together, one may close with the remaining branch being improved," she said.