Angelina Singadia, who has been at Littlemoor Post Office in Valley Road for the past five-and-ahalf years, expects to close around August 19, as the Post Office shuts down 22 branches across Leeds in its latest round of cost-cutting.

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"I am very, very upset that I won't be able to serve these wonderful customers any more," she said. "A lot of them have become really close friends.

"I would like to say a big thank you for everything everyone has done to try to save us."

Next week, the branch will have an Indian theme with staff dressed in saris to raise money for charity.

"I thought if I had to close I would go out with a bang," said Angelina.

Local MP, Paul Truswell, who met with Post Office chiefs twice to object to the closure, said: "Though the Post Office overall is losing £4m a week and receiving a taxpayer subsidy of £150m a year, branches like Littlemoor should be valued as a shining example of the 'People's Post Office'.

"Angelina and her staff are highly valued and it is shame that their service is to be lost to the community."

Local councillor Josie Jarosz (Lab, Pudsey) also said she was "very disappointed".

"Many people, especially the elderly, rely on the post office for a number of services and will find it very difficult to access these once their local
branch has closed," she said.

"The Post Office seems intent on pursuing this policy of ignoring the views of users and shutting branches even when the public are determined
that they should remain open."

The Post Office says it needs to close 2,500 branches nationwide to maintain a sustainable network.

Adrian Wales, Post Office Ltd's network development manager north east, said all comments made had been considered carefully.

"We believe this plan offers our customers in this area the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future."