A campaign to save seven Hackney post offices that face closure has been launched by local Labour councillors.

Hackney Labour party and the council are both fighting the Post Office's plans and are asking residents to join them to help 'Save Our Post Offices!'.

We're urging residents who care about these vital services to email Post Offices bosses and let them know what you think of their plans.

The post offices under threat are:

Wilton Way - 67 Wilton Way (Hackney Central)

Cassland Road - 142-144 Cassland Road (Wick)

Chatsworth Road - 11 Chatsworth Road (Chatham)

Lower Clapton Road - 235 Lower Clapton Road (Hackney Downs)

Stoke Newington Road - 133-135 Stoke Newington Road (Stoke Newington Central)

Blackstock Road - 149 Blackstock Road (Brownswood)

Murray Grove - 96-97 Murray Grove (Hoxton)

If you want to help Labour's fight to keep these post offices open then email consultation@postoffice.co.uk before April 2nd and let them know how much you want to keep your local branch.

Hackney council is lobbying hard to keep the threatened post offices and local Labour councillors in the seven wards are collecting signitures for petitions and making sure your voice is heard.

Hoxton ward councillor Phil Glanville said: "Hoxton councillors are united in campaigning against the closure of the Murray Grove post office.

"This Post Office is vital for local residents and businesses in Hoxton.

"The alternative post offices in Old Street and on Hoxton High Street are too far away for many elderly and vulnerable residents who value having this community resource on their door step.

"Post offices also play an important part in local life.

"We will be fighting vigorously against the closure and believe that six weeks isn't long enough to have a meaningful dialogue with the community about these changes.

"Please sign our petition by clicking here."

The planned closures are part of propsals announced on Tuesday19th February which could see 169 post offices accross the capital shut their doors for good.

Hackney Labour does not think this is what our residents want and is concened about the impact on older people in Hackney in particular.

We think our local post offices need investment not cuts and closures.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has backed Hackey's stand and said he might take legal action by way of a judicial review to try to extend the consultation period to 12 weeks.

London's post offices provide vital support for those who are most in need, particularly the elderly, disabled and those with young children.

For many Londoners who do not have access to a bank account, the post office is an amenity they cannot do without.

Hackney's Labour Mayor Jules Pipe said: "I was appalled when I saw what the Post Office is planning for Hackney.

"Many of them are in some of the poorest parts of the borough, and if they close it will be a real blow to the people who need them most.

Jules added: "Post offices can provide a lifeline for older people, and for those who don't have a bank account nor live near a bank.

"People who take money out at post office counters may now have to fall back on expensive ATMS that can charge as much as £2 for a cash withdrawal.

"The Post Office claims that no one will be more than a mile from their nearest post office, but that is a long way for many people."