Business owners fear they will lose trade and be forced to close if a post office shuts.

Marshfields Post Office in Manchester Road, Bradford, has been threatened with the axe along with 16 others across the district as part of a major shake-up of urban branches.

It is under threat of closure with Post Office Ltd, which runs the country's network, citing falling customer numbers and rising running costs.

The post office, which also sells toys, stationery and cards, is on a long parade of shops.

Featuring a bookmakers, dress shops, beauty salons, takeaway food shops and newsagents, the area is at the heart of the Marshfields community, according to traders.

Aftab Gull, 30, runs the pound shop A Pound or Two. "All the businesses along here don't want the post office to close," he said. "We are dead against it.

"A lot of people use the post office. And when they come down to get their pensions or whatever, they pop in to the shops here. This place needs regeneration. Taking away the post office would be the final nail in the coffin for us.

"All the shopkeepers are disgusted about it. We have set up a petition and have got loads of signatures already."

Mohammed Younis, who works on the furniture shop next to the post office, said: "We are all really upset about it. The post office is like a magnet for people. Without it there will definitely be less trade here."

The businessmen are not the only ones who claim they will be affected if the post office closes. Pensioner Jack Bone is also worried. Mr Bone, 80, of Broadway Avenue, said: "I come here every week and have for 30 years. It is so convenient.

"The other nearest post offices will mean people will have to travel. It might not sound a lot but 60p on the bus is a fair bit and there will be a lot of people scared about travelling further afield."

The nearest post office branches are Holme Top which is further down Manchester Road, Wibsey Bank Foot branch which is further up Manchester Road or the West Bowling branch which is along Gaythorne Road.

Councillor Sher Khan (Lab, Little Horton) said: "I will back any petition to stop the closure. It is a very well used branch. It would be wrong to shut it."

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said the petition would be considered as part of a six-week consultation. To comment, write to Eddie Herbert, Head of Area by October 4 at Post Office Ltd, C/O National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford WD18 8ZW. The post office watchdog Postwatch can also be contacted on 08456013265 (local rate) or by writing to Post Office Closures FREEPOST Postwatch.