COMMUNITIES ACROSS the North will be adversely affected by a decision to close almost 100 post offices in Northern Ireland, politicians have warned.

The Post Office, as part of a UK-wide review, has decided to close 42 branches and to operate 54 more branches through "a form of outreach service".

This would mean areas could be served through mobile post offices, local shops, community centres or through other community services.

The Post Office has put its plans out for a six-week consultation period before implementing the proposals.

Sinn Féin councillor for Newry and Armagh Colman Burns said the decision would have a "huge impact on 96 communities" right across the North.

"I am particularly concerned at the impact of these proposals on our rural communities where the rural post office is the cornerstone of the local community and provides a vital social hub, not least for older people," he said.

"In rural areas where the public transport infrastructure is weak, the loss of this vital community resource will only compound rural isolation."

SDLP Assembly member Mary Bradley said the Post Office plans would be greeted with dismay by older people.

"In rural areas, post offices are at the heart of the community, and provide a valuable service. They form a focal point and those earmarked for closure will be sorely missed by pensioners in particular," she said.

"The consultation process of just six weeks is simply too short.

"I would ask that this timeframe is reconsidered so we can fully establish the extent of the impact that these planned closures will have across the North.

"It is essential that the views of the elderly are considered during this process," Ms Bradley added.

The Post Office proposes keeping 492 branches open and says 94.1 per cent of the North's population would see no change to their nearest Post Office under its plans.

Sheila McCann, Post Office's network development manager for the North, said the company "must" reduce the number of its branches.

"The purpose of this public consultation is to ensure that we have the best available local knowledge to allow us to make the most informed decisions," she said.

The proposals come after the Post Office took "input" from Postwatch, the UK's independent consumer watchdog on postal services, and from local authorities.