TWO post offices will be axed as part of a nationwide programme of branch closures.

Branches in Perry Hill, Catford, and Manor Park Parade, Lewisham, are two of 25 urban offices to be permanently shut in March 2003.

The Post Office has announced it intends to shut some of its 9,000 urban branches as part of its restructuring programme.

The plans to shut the two sites, which have been agreed with both sub-postmasters, are part of the company's Network Reinvention scheme.

The Post Office claims more than 95 per cent of people from both areas will still live within a mile of a branch if the closures go ahead.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: "We have a responsibility to ensure customers in Catford and Lewisham will continue to have reasonable access to local post offices.

"We have concluded the closures would improve the long-term prospects of other offices."

A public consultation will take place before a final decision is made about the proposals. Letters must be received by the Post Office before January 20.

Write to: National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN.