The Post Office announced last week that three branches in Warwick district have been earmarked for closure under plans to cut 2,500 nationwide.

Along with branches in Warwick and Kenilworth, Milverton - known as the Dell - is one of those due to go.

But despite the launch of a campaign to try and save it, postmaster of nine years Jay Patel is doubtful it will change its fate.

He said: "The Post Office wants to close a set number in the UK. We have got three in Leamington, one will have to go and it will be mine.

"I would like to say it won't happen, but you have got to look at the facts. My staff and I will be out of work and will have to find something else. It is getting us down."

Mr Patel runs the Warwick Place branch with the help of three staff who serve up to 400 customers a day.

Coun Bill Gifford (Lib Dem, Milverton) believes it could still be saved and is calling on residents to sign a petition.

He said: "The post office is at the heart of our community. Many people rely on the services it provides. The friendly staff and efficient service have made it a first port of call. With residents' help we will fight the proposed closure."

Consultation on plans to close 51 branches across Warwickshire, Birmingham and Coventry started last Tuesday and residents have August 4 to object.

The manager of Radford Semele's post office Chand Aujla feared his business might be one of those put under threat last week.

He has run Radford News and Post Office - which opens six days a week - for ten years with the help of his son Amrit and wife Gurmeet.

He said: "I'm really pleased. We thought that under their three-mile criteria we could close as there are two others close to us.

"But because we are in a village, we are classified as rural and that's maybe why they are going to keep it open.

"It's well used by villagers and people from Offchurch, Ufton and Bishops Tachbrook."