THE Post Office has confirmed it will close three branches in South Gloucestershire.

Customers had campaigned to save the post offices in Tytherington, Old Sodbury and in the Tesco Express in Station Road, Yate.

But operating firm the Post Office announced today that it was going ahead with the government-recommended closures.

Campaigners have reacted angrily to the news arguing the "die was already cast" for the three branches.

Northavon MP Steve Webb said: "The depressing thing about the whole consultation process was that we always knew that if we got the post office to change their mind about one of the offices on their list they would simply substitute another one.

"As soon as the government decided that 2,500 offices had to go, the die was cast."

He added: "As a result of this decision, yet more communities will lose something very special."

Plans are underfoot, however, to save the Tytherington branch, which is based in the village shop and Post Office bosses have already met with community leaders.

* See next week's Gazette for more reaction to the closures.