The proposed closure of the Thorndean office at 205 Motherwell Road and the Mossend office at 3 Hope Street was discussed by the Bellshill and District Local Area Committee last week.

And councillors agreed that North Lanarkshire Council should convey its opposition to the Post Office proposals which are now the subject of a six-week consultation period ending on Monday, September 1.

A motion opposing the Post Office proposal — part of a programme to close 44 branches in Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire — was proposed by Thorniewood Labour councillor Bob Burrows and seconded by area committee convener and North Lanarkshire SNP group leader Richard Lyle.

Councillor Burrows said: "As councillors what is important to us is what happens in our communities and what we have here is access being stopped for the community to facilities which are well used.

"We completely oppose any closure because of the impact it will have on the community and I think it's significant that all parties are singing from the same songsheet on this."

Councillor Lyle added: "I was delighted that Councillor Burrows moved that we oppose the closures of Thorndean and Mossend and very pleased that councillors of all political parties have the same view on this.

"We will now communicate our views to the council and suggest that they respond to the Post Office consultation in those terms."

Around 2,000 signatures have so far been collected on a petition being organised by Councillor Lyle and his SNP colleague Councillor Paul Delaney, in whose ward the two affected branches are located.

Meanwhile Postwatch Scotland, the independent watchdog for postal services, this week urged customers to make sure they have their say before Post Office Ltd's consultation period runs out.

Organisation chair Alan Alexander said: "Constructive input from local communities is important. Changes are going to take place in the post office network.

"It is essential these are made with the benefit of local customer feedback to help minimise inconvenience and disruption.

"Postwatch Scotland has provided initial comments on Post Office Ltd's proposals. Our final position, however, will take into account the responses we and Post Office Ltd receive from customers during the consultation period.

"We ask that customers respond to Post Office Ltd and send a copy of their response to ourselves."