CLOSURE notices handed to two post offices in Westminster this week means they will be shutting their doors by July.

CLOSURE notices handed to two post offices in Westminster this week means they will be shutting their doors by July.

Residents have lost the battle to save the Lisson Grove and Harrow Road branches but Formosa Street is clinging on after the consultation period was extended until the end of May.

Post Office Limited gave its final ruling on London's closures on Wednesday after six weeks of consultation and countless protests and petitions from residents.

A total of 155 branches across London will be closed. Harrow Road campaigner Ahmed Hamid said: "It has been there for 19 years and it is more than just a post office now - it is the hub of the community.

"It will be hard for us now - I am really sad and very disappointed at the decision."

And Westbourne Neighbourhood forum manager Tony Gale said: "I think this is the wrong decision and the wrong post office to close.

"It is still highly used by the community - this is a vulnerable community and a lot of people need the services the post office provides."

Lib Dem campaigner Martin Thompson, who lives in Lisson Grove, said: "It is sounding the death knell for that parade of shops and I am really disappointed."

And John MacDonald, from the Church Street neighbourhood forum, said: "We are very sorry the post office on Lisson Grove is closing but we are going to work with the council and the branch in Edgware Road to try to improve the services there."

Westminster Council, which has been in talks with Post Office Ltd about opening branches in its own buildings, is also disappointed at the decisions.

Economic development boss Cllr Danny Chalkley said: "The Post Office has continually failed to listen and has dragged its heels at every opportunity over these closures.

"Regarding the Harrow Road branch, it seems our concerns and those of our residents have fallen on deaf ears.