MORE than 1,000 residents have thrown their weight behind a campaign to save a closure-threatened Newport post office.

Customers at the Christchurch Road branch reacted with dismay after it was named among more than 20 Gwent branches facing the axe last week.

Elderly residents told the Argus the suggested alternative branch on Chepstow Road is unsuitable for them as it would mean customers had to walk up and down an extremely steep hill to gain access.

Postmaster Helen Kennedy said the Post Office's own closure notices stated the route to the Cross Hands branch was on "flat terrain".

Last night, the Post Office admitted it had made an error in publishing incorrect information and said it would listen to the views of customers before making a final decision.

Mrs Kennedy said there was no feasible parking provision at the alternative branch.

She said hourly bus services to the city centre did not not stop near the Chepstow Road-based branch.

Hazel Underwood, 72, who is one of hundreds of customers who use the post office every week, said the closure announcement had left her devastated.

"I was heart-broken when I found out. I am on medication for a heart problem and I have arthritis.

"I am waiting to have a knee replacement operation and there is no way I would be able to walk up and down that hill."

Mrs Kennedy said 1,300 customers had signed a petition opposing the closure plans, with more adding their support to another petition at the Greyhound Pub.

"We don't understand why they have chosen us," she added.

Two other branches in Newport, six in Blaenau Gwent and four in Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Islwyn also face the looming threat of closure.

Three branches in Tintern, Devauden and Penhow will also be closed and replaced by outreach services, which will be run out of local church halls, community centres or even mobile units on the roadside.

Post Office admits consultation blunder A spokesman for Post Office Ltd said: "We acknowledge the errors on the consultation materials at the Christchurch Road branch, which were made during the publication process.

"We shall of course be re-issuing corrected materials and changing the details on our website accordingly.

We would like to thank those who have highlighted this issue to us.

"The purpose of public consultation is to ensure that customers understand the rationale behind the closure programme and we welcome their views and comments regarding access to future Post Office services in this area.

"We will take notice of all the issues raised during the six weeks before making final decisions."