ATTEMPTS to save another Bexley post office from closure stepped up a notch this week.

As 38-year-old resident Nicola Yearsley passed the 2,200 mark on the petition she has launched, MP David Evennett took the battle to Parliament.

Ms Yearsley, who is not a regular user of the post office in Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, was outraged when she realised the effect the closure would have on others.

She said: "There is quite a sense of community around here.

"I feel strongly about the older people and those with mobility problems who cannot just get on a bus easily and go to another post office."

Ms Yearsley said the post office wanted people to do their business by direct debit.

But she said: "Old people do not like direct debit and they do not like cash machines.

"They pop down to the post office once or twice a week and meet people and get their essentials."

Bexleyheath and Crayford MP Mr Evennett will be presenting Ms Yearsley's petition to Parliament and to Post Office Ltd.

He tabled an Early Day Motion on the issue last week which noted six post offices have already closed in his constituency since 1999.

The motion registers his dismay at the latest proposed closure in Brampton Road, and calls on Post Office Ltd to listen to residents and reconsider the plan.

Mr Evennett said: "Post offices are the heart of the community. They are vital institutions and I am appalled at the potential loss of another one."

He has also tabled a second motion about the relocation of Bexleyheath's Crown post office to the first floor of the W H Smith store, in the face of public opposition.

Mr Evennett is concerned about accessibility for disabled customers and those with young children.

And he has pressed again for a Parliamentary debate on London issues, which would include post office closures.

Post Office Ltd says fewer people are using post offices and its network needs to change.

It claims even after the latest proposed closures, 99 per cent of people will still live within three miles of a post office.