COUNCIL leaders have blasted post office bosses for failing to turn up to a vital meeting over their plans for the future of local branches.

Representatives have twice cancelled a presentation about their urban network reinvention programme, leading councillors to accuse post office bosses of trying to avoid a backlash over the decision to close Chorley's Park Road sub-post office.

The branch closed last Friday after a fierce campaign by residents and councillors to keep it open.

Councillor Ralph Snape branded the decision to cancel the meeting a 'disgrace' and Chorley Council leader Jack Wilson said the post office should not rely on letters to explain the situation to people.

He said: "It is easy for the post office to hide behind so called consultations over the closure of sub-post offices, many of which are well used, particularly by older people and those with mobility problems.

"That is made easier still when they are not prepared to meet with their critics.

"It was the post office that initially approached us about this presentation, but when the strength of feeling about the closure of the Park Road branch became apparent, I believe someone decided they were not prepared to face the music.

"They just did not want to meet with councillors, many of whom have openly criticised the closure decision."

The presentation was due to outline the post office's programme to close down less profitable urban branches.

Mr Wilson added: "Fine, if they believe that they have a strong case then they should be prepared to come out from behind closed doors and convince people face to face.

"We believe the people of Chorley deserve better."

A post office spokesman denied two meetings had been cancelled: "We only discussed provisional dates for the first meeting the council say was cancelled and no definite dates were decided up on.

"We have apologised to Chorley Council and explained that the April 2 cancellation was due to unforeseen personal circumstances, and we do intend to reschedule the meeting.

"The meeting is part of a series taking place between the post office and more than thirty councils to explain the programme. "