A COUNCILLOR has spoken of his sadness at losing the small village Post Office he has come to rely on.

Cllr Walter Hall, who represents the Bradshaw ward, says the closure of Harwood Post Office will be a huge blow to the community.

After picking up his pension for the last time on Wednesday, he, like many other pensioners, now faces a mile-long trek to the nearest branch at Lee Gate or Breightmet.

Cllr Hall said: "I've been very concerned about the future of small post offices like Harwood for a number of years now, but it seems the view of the people has been overlooked and that's a real shame.

"I'm concerned for people who are a bit older than me who will now have to use public transport."