POST office chiefs have confirmed plans to shut dozens of sub post offices across the county.

A total of 58 post offices have been slated for closure as part of a wide-ranging review aimed at stemming million pound losses.

Kent is one of the first areas in the country to be told which will shut as part of a programme expected to see 2,500 post offices nationally closing their doors.

The Post Office is to begin a six-week public consultation over its proposals, which have already come under fire.

Kent County Council is spearheading a campaign aimed at persuading Post Office Limited to think again and to mobilise public opinion against the review.

The hit-list includes many which serve some of Kent’s most isolated villages and communities.

In a statement, Gary Herbert, Post Office network development manager for Kent, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office Branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.

"We want to ensure everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them."

The aim was to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to guidelines on access set by the government, he added.

"We believe these proposals offer the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for Post Office services in Kent bearing in mind the minimum access criteria and other factors."

Cllr Roger Gough (Con), KCC cabinet member for regeneration,said: "This is a damaging and rushed process, which will cause great harm to Kent's urban and rural communities.

"It is most important that we clearly demonstrate the knock-on effects that losing these branches will have and we’re asking Kent residents to come forward and help us build that picture."

Postwatch, the independent watchdog for the Post Office, said the review marked a period of major upheaval but said it was "preferable" to have planned rather than unplanned closure.

Malcolm Butler, regional manager of Postwatch South East, said: "Closures are not good news for customers, but the current post office network is unsustainable. Postwatch agrees it is preferable to have planned rather than unplanned closures.2

It was vital the programme’s eventual outcome was "the best possible for customers", he added.

"Customer confusion and inconvenience must be minimised, both in terms of the branches proposed for closure, and in the consultation process being meaningful and accessible to all."

Click here for a list of Kent branches proposed for closure >>>