PEOPLE turned out in force to voice their concerns about the future of threatened post offices in and around Petersfield. Consultation to decide the fate of the popular Clare Gardens branch at Durford Road, Petersfield, ends on November 26, with a likely closure due in January. And more than 100 people crowded into East Hampshire District Council's chambers at Penns Place to have their say. Outreach services offering a limited service have been proposed for Froxfield, East Meon, West Meon and East Tisted as part of the changes. Councillors were overwhelmed by the turnout of those who feared losing a service they saw as a vital part of their communities. With no petitions being drawn up, councillors urged people to write letters to the consultation team who are planning to axe the post office services. Committee chairman Jennifer Gray said: "We have an uphill battle to convince the Post Office to change their minds." In an open public debate, people cited the Durford Road post office as more convenient than the main one at The Square. Benefits included no queues, easy parking, and opportunities to bump into friends. Owners of small businesses in and around Petersfield said it would prove costly and time consuming if they had to use the main post office as they would have to travel further, pay for parking, and queue longer. Durford Road was also viewed as a useful service for workers at East Hampshire District Council's offices, just up the road at Penns Place. MS sufferer Pat Hampton said: "I would like to speak up for disabled people in this area. I have to have cash. Mail order is another essential for disabled people and returning items is possible at Durford Road." A Durford Road resident said: "It means a complete change of life. It would mean I would have to go into Petersfield, and I do not drive. It's a social thing too, you see all sorts of people. I'll miss that now they are taking it away. "Now we will have to get into Petersfield and queue at the (main) post office. It will be a disaster – not only for me, but for many of the ladies at Durford Road." Andy Parks, who runs a small business outside Petersfield, said: "I am sure people are aware of queueing at the main post office. I wonder if this is the correct way to run a business. I have to waste about an hour of my time in the day." Another owner of a small business near Petersfield said: "If I have to go into Petersfield it will take me more than an hour. There's no way I am going to do this. It's increasing everybody's costs doing this." One Durford Road resident said: "The main post office is completely unable to service the queues of people who want to use it." Mrs Hampton said: "I recieve a personal service at Durford Road, this would never happen at the main post office." Joddy Patel, who runs the threatened Durford Road store with her husband Joe, attended the meeting along with many of her supportive customers. She said: "I think we have the best customers ever. We are so grateful to everybody writing their letters and I hope the Post Office are concerned about that." A Privett resident said: "The Froxfield post office makes the Froxfield shop viable. If we lose the shop there will be a significant social implication." Lindsay Clegg, of Froxfield, said: "If I have to make a round trip of over eight miles it is a waste. They encourage us to use vehicles less. It's an absolute travesty and I feel it is time we put our problems to them." A recent Post Office television advertisement billing the service the 'people's post' has only rubbed salt in the wounds. Mrs Hampton said: "Has anyone else been annoyed by the 'people's post' television advert? I wonder how much that cost. I feel it is an insult." Julie Butler added: "The advert has infuriated me. They have spent a fortune on that when they could be keeping our post offices open." In a letter to the consultation team, Durford Road man Bernard Kirk said: "My businesses rely on sending several recorded delivery letters three or four days every week, as well as parcels which obviously require weighing. If I were to use the post office in The Square, this would cost me four to five hours per week and a further £6-£7 for parking and fuel. "The suggestion you make about parking near the square is farcical. It is patently obvious that your researchers have never had to find a free parking space near The Square. "Apart from the extra cost, the loss of 10 per cent of my working week will significantly reduce my earning potential – you will cost me money. "You must reverse your decision to close Clare Gardens, it is ill conceived. Why not instead find some additional business to put through the counter to make Joe's business profitable?" Councillors at the meeting also expressed their dismay at the decision to axe one of only two post offices in the town. Bob Ayer said: "Petersfield Town Council were horrified at the plans. There was a lot of concern that the capabitility of the main post office was insufficient. The suggestion of Harting as a second alternative was regarded as a bad joke in bad taste." Judy Onslow said: "I totally support keeping the Durford Road post office open because I think it is an excellent local facility." Elizabeth Cartwright said: "We would be poorer as a society if we lost all our local shops. It is an important part of our English fabric and our way of life." Ann Claxton said: "The Durford Road post office is a lifesaver as far as a lot of people are concerned and I would wholeheartedly support keeping it open." A representative from the Citizens' Advice Bureau invited concerned members of the public to visit them to to tell them their concerns about how the changes were going to affect them. They plan to collect statements and put forward their own case. Hilary Ayer said: "Individual letters will need to be sent. Some people will not be able to their letters themselves. If you contact me I will contact the disability forum and get them to write a letter on your behalf." Comments should be sent before November 26 to: Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation team, Freepost Consultation Team.