Last Monday saw the end of a six-week consultation, run by the Post Office, on closure plans that will affect 38 of the County's 121.

Coun Jeff Reid, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "Rural Northumberland has the most sparsely populated areas in England, and we believe Post Office closures would have a significant impact upon our communities, and potentially on the viability of the shops currently providing Post Office services.

"We remain concerned that the time the Post Office has allowed for consultation is too short to allow communities to respond fully, and for alternative proposals to be considered appropriately.

"The county council has registered its concerns with the Post Office about possible closures, in support of the communities potentially affected, the elderly and those with young families who are least able to adjust to the proposed changes.

"We have had numerous meetings with our partners to discuss the issues, and are keen for the company to consider how the services it currently provides might be aligned with the council's own services, both now and in the new council.

"Post Offices are seen as a key service. We are urging Post Office Ltd to recognise the special circumstances in Northumberland and continue to work with us, and our communities to consider alternative options."

The council has expressed particular concern over proposals impacting on Otterburn, Norham, Milfield, Gilsland, Longframlington, West Wylam, Bates Cottages and St Mary's Field at Morpeth.

It has called for more suitable options than proposed mobile services to link with the shops in Bardon Mill, Fourstones, Humshaugh, Lowick, Slaley, and Stannington.

It is being urged to review, with the Council, alterations to its proposals for closures in Scremerston and Guide Post.

The council is also recognising the need to have secure proposed services in the shops in Belsay, Scots Gap, and Longhorsley, and to provide a more appropriate hosted service in Netherton.

In all, the council is seeking the review of proposals for half of the 37 Post Offices which were included in the Network Change proposals published on July 14.