Post Office Ltd failed to consult the company leading a regeneration scheme in one of the areas where it plans to axe a post office, claims a councillor.

Reevy Road West Post Office, Wibsey, is one of 17 branches in the Bradford district which Post Office Ltd proposes to shut as part of a major shake-up it blames on falling customer numbers and rising running costs.

The branch in Reevy Road lies at the heart of Royds Community Association's regeneration scheme in Buttershaw, Woodside and Delph Hill, which will see the shopping parade in Reevy Road redeveloped.

Royds councillor Andrew Thornton (Lab) said: "The post office would have formed part of the regeneration but Post Office Ltd has not spoken to Royds Community Association. New houses are being built in the area in fairly close proximity to the shops so the potential for new business is quite high. I feel this has been overlooked.

"The shops are not that great at the moment but the regeneration programme, which has been delayed, will make a difference. There are a number of sheltered housing complexes for elderly people close to the post office and if this closes the nearest branch will be a bus ride away.

"People are very disappointed. They are wondering what they will do if this branch closes and how they will get to another post office."

If the Reevy Road branch is axed, people will have to use the Buttershaw branch in Halifax Road, St Enoch's branch in Fair Road, or the Cooper Lane branch, which are at least half a mile away and uphill.

Coun Thornton and his fellow ward councillors are starting a petition against the closure and will be canvassing door-to-door.

Postmaster Dalwar Singh blamed a fall in business and the rise in the number of people transferring benefits to banks for the closures, but felt Royds Community Assoc-iation could have moved faster to transform the area.

"I enjoy working here and I will miss the people," said Mr Singh, who has run the branch for six years. "Royds Community Association said it would redevelop the area when I moved here and promised new units.

"A friend of mine wanted to open a pharmacist with the post office, which would have made this branch less dependent on benefits but there was never a unit."

He added: "We have to think about the whole community. What about the pensioners who have to walk a long distance for their prescriptions and stamps?"