There was widespread shock today - especially in rural communities - with news of a proposal to close almost 100 Post Office branches in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has already expressed concern that the proposed closures will have a negative impact on the local economy.

Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: "For those who rely on Post Offices, such as many older people and those in the community who have mobility issues, this decision will be a bad April Fool's joke.

"While we understand the commercial realities, it is clearly a great disappointment that so many post offices are going to close. This will be a blow to local retailers and many local communities in Northern Ireland," he said, noting that Post Offices are useful in generating footfall for many NIIRTA members as many of their customers collect benefits and pensions and then visit local convenience stores and other local retailers to buy groceries.

"The closure of these post offices is clearly connected to the decline of small local shops in our high streets, which already have to put up with disastrous out of town planning decisions and anti-competitive practices of the big multiples.

"We will be seeking a meeting with the Post Office to discuss these proposals further," he said.

The shock move - part of a UK-wide restructuring of the company - is part of an overall initiative to shut 2,500 offices across the UK in order to stem losses that - they say - are £500,000 per day.

However, the closures are just part of the plan, as some of the outlets being closed will be replaced with 'community services'.

The Post Office said that while 42 branches would close outright, another 54 would still operate, but through "a form of outreach service".

This could mean a mobile Post Office visiting at set times, a service within community centres, local shops, or a home service using a phone.

The number of branches in the network currently is 534, with Sheila McCann of the Post Office commenting: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and, we know, will cause concern to many of our customers.

"We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on, or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet UK government requirements, and is able to give their views on them.

"Post Office Ltd must reduce the number of branches. The purpose of this public consultation is to ensure that we have the best available local knowledge to allow us to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close or be replaced by an outreach service."

In response, a representative of the Rural Community Network said there was a clear recognition that the future of rural postal services needed to be planned and thought through.

Chief Executive Michael Hughes said: "Rural post offices provide a vital service for sections of the community, particularly for older people, those with poor literacy and numeracy skills, lone parents, those on benefits and newcomers such as the migrant population.

"The changes proposed will particularly impact on those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged and it is vital that their voices are heard during the consultation period."

SDLP MLA Carmel Hanna said: "Royal Mail has announced plans for the closure of 2,500 offices across the UK in order to stem losses which, they say, are £500,000 per day, but if 94 are being closed in NI, this seems to be disproportionately high, given the size of our population relative to the rest of the UK."

However, the Post Office insists it has made these proposals after engaging with and taking input from the independent consumer watchdog on postal services, Postwatch, and from local authorities.

It has also considered factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and alternative access to key Post Office services, local demographics and the impact on local economies.

They said that, under the proposals, 94% of customers will see no change to their branch and are seeking views on all these factors with responses welcomed during the six-week consultation process.

Copies of the Area Plan proposals for Northern Ireland are available by post from National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (no stamp required), by email at consultation@postoffice.co.uk or at: www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange

(BMcC)