THE waiting game for post offices, anxious for news that their future is secure, has ended with a devastating shock for Tilford and the anticipated axe hanging over Farnham's Station Hill Post Office. A six-week consultation over 44 branches targeted for closure across Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex, amid cuts to the nationwide network, began with the formal announcement on Tuesday. In the case of Tilford and the volunteers that keep the community-run shop afloat, it was a particularly cruel blow. For only in December, planning consent was granted for a development to include a 50 per cent increase in the store which also houses the post office. Tilford and Station Hill are the only post offices in the firing line throughout Waverley and unless the Post Office can be persuaded otherwise, they will close this summer. Waverley Council and MP Jeremy Hunt have been swiftly marshalling forces to fight the threat. "We won't take this lying down," said Waverley's portfolio holder for communities, David Munro. They have arranged a public meeting at Farnham Maltings on Friday, February 8, at 6.45pm, where the Post Office Ltd can explain their proposals to the community and respond to questions. Those unable to attend can see the meeting webcast afterwards at http://www.waverley.gov.uk/">www.waverley.gov.uk/ council/webcast.asp.   The MP stressed: "Although this decision is good news for most of our area's post offices, it will be a severe blow to the two chosen for closure in Tilford and Station Hill and the people that rely on them. "However, the final decision is subject to public consultation, so we now have an important opportunity to make sure the feelings of the local people who rely on a post office are heard in support of their branch. "Tilford Post Office in particular is right at the heart of a village community, with many people relying on its services and using it to collect their pension and other benefits.  "It has been progressively run down by the Post Office, but is still relied on by a number of people - especially elderly people - every week for Post Office services." According to the Post Office, under its proposals for the overall area, 99.5 per cent of the population will either see no change to their nearest branch or will remain within one mile by road of an alternative. Tilford's nearest alternative, however, is at Rushmoor, more than two miles away, and Jeremy Hunt pointed out there is no bus service to reach it. "The loss of the post office could also risk the viability of the village shop in Tilford, which is an incredibly important village amenity." It was a view echoed by parish council chairman Lance Trevellyan, who owns the shop site and has planned the development that would see the facility expand. "The lack of public transport will make it extremely difficult for the elderly to get to a post office without the burden of a taxi fare," he said. He described the decision as "completely incongrous" and "a potential stab in the heart of a community spirit that is alive, well and flourishing". The parish council and the Tilford Shop Association are uniting under the slogan 'Give us a chance', hoping that the planned expansion will be given the opportunity to prove its value to the Post Office. "Anyone with any financial acumen with tell you that you increase the shop and its services and with the added footfall will come greater use of the post office," said Mr Trevellyan, adding that the Post Office had caused the current situation by reducing Tilford to receiving a limited outreach service. "If you keep reducing the service and the hours of opening, it's only natural that the custom falls off." Jeremy Hunt suggested some ways that residents can help the campaign to stop the closure of the two post offices. 1. Write (Freepost) to Post Office Ltd's consultation, setting out the reasons why Tilford or Station Hill Post Office is so important and must not be closed. The address is: Gary Herbert, Network Development Manager, c/o national Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM or email [email protected]">[email protected] 2. If anyone knows of elderly people in Tilford who would struggle if Tilford Post Office were to be closed, they can let him know by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or writing to Jeremy Hunt MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. 3. Those who have access to the internet can fill in a Post Office questionnaire on his website - http://www.jeremyhunt.org. He">www.jeremyhunt.org. He will use the results to support his submission to Post Office Ltd's consultation and to add weight to the campaign against the closures. People can also sign the online petition to save South West Surrey's post offices at http://www.jeremyhunt.org ">www.jeremyhunt.org ; The consultation ends on March 10.