On Tuesday this week, Post Office Ltd launched a six-week consultation asking people what they think about the potential closure of branch counters in Padbury and Twyford.

If the closures go ahead, village residents will have to drive to other post offices for services such as collecting pensions and benefits, paying car tax, banking, posting parcels and buying foreign currency.

Jackie Phipps, Aylesbury Vale district councillor for Marsh Gibbon, is a volunteer at the community shop in Twyford which houses the sub post office.

She said village residents had worked hard to build a successful business and that the post office had been identified as the number one priority in a recent community plan.

Cllr Phipps added: "It is really going to wreck the lives of vulnerable people who cannot drive and do not have a computer."

Steven Dickens, chairman of Padbury Parish Council, said: "We are very saddened by the proposals and of course we shall be doing everything we can to oppose closure."

Hedley Cadd, Bucks county councillor for Padbury and Twyford, feared the most vulnerable rural residents would be hit by any closures.

He said: "I think the closure is totally uncalled for. It is going to hit pensioners particularly hard, not everyone has a bank account."

He said the Post Office must give further consideration to branches in more isolated rural areas.

A spokesperson for the Post Office said they were committed to making sure that everyone was aware of the changes and would have an opportunity to have their views considered.

In line with criteria set by the Government, Post Office Ltd plan to close 71 branches in the Bucks, Cambs, Herts, Beds and south Lincs area leaving a network of 452 branches and 17 new mobile or temporary post offices.

• Views on the closure programme can be sent to Laura Tarling, Network Development Manager, C/o National Consulation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, or call 08457 223344.