UNION bosses will launch a campaign to save two post offices earmarked for closure at a crunch meeting with decision makers.

The Communications Workers’ Union is holding a public meeting tomorrow to rally support to keep the post offices in Basildon Town Square and Laindon Shopping Centre open.

They are two of 76 branches threatened with closure nationwide to save the Post Office £64million by 2015.

In March, the Echo revealed the Post Office wants to axe the Basildon and Laindon branches and replace them with counter services at nearby shops in a bid to cut costs.

Peter Meech, who is Basildon’s representative for the union, said: “In areas where post offices have closed, 25 per cent of shops around them have also closed within 18 months. Footfall goes from that area and the high streets suffer and local businesses suffer.

“We are trying to run a campaign to get the locals involved, get a petition started and put pressure on local councillors and the Government.”

Staff have staged several walkouts in protest over the plans and a petition has already attracted more than 100,000 signatures across the country, with the number set to rise as more public meetings are held.

Mr Meech saidthe Government could allow the Post Office to develop its online provisions to make the brand more profitable.

He also said a share of the Royal Mail’s £440million profit should be used to support the Post Office.

Clive Tickner, assistant secretary for Basildon’s CWU, said: “The Post Office is the heart of the community and is a trusted brand. We are hoping to get the public there to register their concerns.”

Councillors will also be at the meeting, including Labour councillor for St Martin’s Pat Rackley.

She said: “The Post Office is well used and this would be another facility being taken out of the town centre, along with everything else.”

The union will meet with councillors and the public in the St George’s Suite at the Basildon Centre from 6.30pm.