A POSTAL service watchdog has added its voice to the chorus of criticism that followed a decision to close a seventh York Post Office.

Postwatch Northern England said it would be pressing the Government to establish a better way of resolving disputes over post office closures.

It made the announcement after Post Office Ltd (POL) said the doors of Bishopthorpe Road Post Office would close for good on February 28.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition to stop the branch being axed, along with six others in York, as part of the National Reinvention programme.

But David Mellows-Facer, POL's head of area for Northern England, decided that customers would be able to use other branches.

He said: "While I appreciate that it will be inconvenient for some customers to use alternative post offices, I have taken into account the local terrain, parking and public transport."

Judith Donovan, regional chairman of Postwatch Northern England, said local customers would be adversely affected by the closure.

She said: "We are deeply upset by this action - as I am sure the people who use this post office will be. Postwatch Northern England has taken this right to the top with POL, but they have refused to see sense.

"It is not reasonable that POL should have the final say when a closure is opposed so strongly - especially as the whole reinvention programme has been publicly funded."

Updated: 10:17 Friday, January 28, 2005