THE Post Office in Ulverston is one of dozens across the country which is threatened with closure as the postal giant continues to make cutbacks.

Bosses have told workers they will close and franchise 37 of the flagship Crown offices, with the loss of 300 staff, and cut 127 financial specialist roles.

The Communication Workers Union said on top of the 62 branches announced for closure and franchise in 2016, the job cuts brings more "misery" to Post Office workers and the customers they serve.

General secretary Dave Ward said: "The latest round of closures is further evidence that the Post Office is in crisis and that the board of the company, backed by the Government, is simply pursuing a strategy of slash and burn.

"Today's announcement comes less than three weeks after the closure of a major government consultation on the future of the Post Office and sticks two fingers up to everyone who took part in this.

"75,000 postcards were returned to the Government signed by members of the public calling for an end to the closure and franchise programme - the Post Office and the Government have completely ignored their views.

"The CWU will not accept this and we will be stepping up our political and industrial campaign to fight for the future of the Post Office."

Deputy General Secretary Terry Pullinger said: "The arrogance of the Post Office and Government is stunning. The Post Office network has been reduced by more than 50% over the past 30 years and continues to be run down. It requires a proper business plan for growth and investment which is being ignored.

"Shame on them and have no doubt our loyal members who have served the British public most of their working lives have every right to protest and we will continue to support and lead them."

The Post Office said it will be seeking "partners" for 37 of its directly managed branches, in addition to 93 previously announced in the last calendar year, nearly half of which have now relocated into retail stores.

Roger Gale, Sales and Trade Marketing Director, said: "We're committed to maintaining the Post Office's special place on the high street and the changes we are making underpin our continued commitment to give communities in every part of the country access to essential services.

"The Post Office's network of more than 11,600 branches is easily the largest in the UK, with 17 million customer visits a week. The vast majority of these branches are run with partners, and in the locations announced today we believe this will also be a more sustainable approach for the long term.

"With consumer habits changing, and the high cost of maintaining premises in prime high street locations, franchising helps us to keep services where our customers want and need them.

"We will take time to identify the right partners over the coming months and all proposals will be subject to local consultation.

"Post Office has a strong record of supporting people through change and we will be keeping affected staff fully informed as we develop our plans."

More updates to come shortly.