At-risk Post Office outlets named

The Post Office has announced the first 180 branches chosen for closure under plans to shut 2,500 by the end of 2008.

Some 58 branches have been earmarked in Kent, 77 in the East Midlands and 45 in the East Yorkshire area.

Another 35 branches could be replaced by "outreach services", such as mobile offices or services in shops and pubs.

Ministers say cuts are needed as the network has been losing £4m a week. A six-week public consultation is being held before final decisions are made.

Consumer watchdog Postwatch said closures were bad news but it accepted the current network was unsustainable.