FEARS that Craven will lose a number of its post offices are being monitored by local politicians.

Skipton MP David Curry said he was keeping an eye on developments after the Government confirmed that cutbacks could see up to 2,500 post offices being closed across the country within 18 months.

The Liberal Democrats have also vowed to fight any closures.

Ironically, the cuts have been announced as part of a package of proposals from the Department for Trade and Industry to invest £1.7 billion in the Post Office network.

The DTI says the money, if given the go-ahead, will build on the £2 billion invested since 1999 and continue an annual subsidy of up to £150 million until 2011.

Trade and Industry secretary, Alistair Darling, said: "Investment, stronger protections for local communities and more outreach services are at the centre of the Government's £1.7 billion proposals to maintain a national Post Office network and put in on a sustainable footing for the e-mail age."

However, he also admitted: "As is widely acknowledged, it will mean some closures in a network of 14,000 offices."

Mr Darling said that in response to consultations since the initial announcement in December 2006, the Government had strengthened the protection for customers in rural and remote areas. However, even though no definite closures have been determined, there is wide speculation that Craven will be affected.

Mr Darling said: "With widespread acceptance that the current size of the network is unsustainable and losses rising to £4 million every week, it will be for Post Office Ltd to draw up local area plans within the national framework."

The Government's plans also include setting up 500 new outreach outlets and mobile post offices for small, remote communities.

The news is being closely monitored by Mr Curry, who told the Herald: "All the evidence is that post offices are used by people who are elderly and those on benefit, who are some of the poorest in society.

"It is no good saying that there will be a post office three miles away. In this area, there could be a mountain in between and no public transport.

"We must remember that post offices are individual businesses and an outreach service is not going to do the same job. Villages need a focal point," added Mr Curry.

"I just hope that this is not another ill-judged decision. I will be keeping my eye on it."

Local Liberal Democrats have also hit out at the Government's failure to listen to the concerns of local people over post office closures.

James Keeley, the party's prospective parliamentary candidate for the area, said: "It is outrageous that the Government has ignored the concerns of local people and is continuing with its plan to close at least 2,500 post offices.

"That means we could lose post offices here in Skipton and the Dales.

"Along with many local people, I have been campaigning against the Government's post office closure plans and will now be stepping up the battle once again."

The Country Land and Business Association has also joined the battle.

Douglas Chalmers, director for CLA North, said: "In a time when we are looking for ways to sustain vibrant rural communities, we must recognise that a post office is a positive feature that can attract residents and businesses looking to relocate.

"They provide the communications essential for successful economic activity, and many farms and rural businesses have neither the time nor staff to easily use these services unless they are locally accessible.

"In addition, many post offices are the social hub, providing many benefits other than simple post office services," added Mr Chalmers. "If these benefits were lost, where else can the majority of people easily meet in these communities?

"Of course, there cannot be a one size fits all', but defining access to services simply in terms of geographic distance demonstrates a lack of appreciation of life in rural areas."