People have been urged to tell the Prime Minister how much they value their post office.

As the Post Office carries out a restructuring programme, ten branches in Colchester and Tendring have been earmarked for closure.

The Countryside Alliance has called on people to fight to save their branch by using its services, and writing to Gordon Brown and the Post Office to explain why it should not be closed.

Alice Barnard, eastern regional director, said that post offices should be retained because of the "huge social benefit" they provide.

"Financial viability cannot be the only concern when considering whether to continue subsidising the post office network," she said.