THE irony is not lost on postmaster Brian Harrison as he wears his "Mr Rush" tie for work.

Trade has dwindled at his post office in Saddleworth Road, West Vale, and is one of the 11 Calderdale branches earmarked for the axe.

Brian and Sue, his wife of 33 years, stand to lose their jobs, their home and the post office they have run together for nearly a decade and planned to retire in.

But the pair say the biggest tragedy is for their loyal customers and the void it will leave in the heart of the village.

"We love it here", said 52-year-old Brian, who used to work in the civil service. "We love the place, we love the people and this has all been extremely hard and emotional for us.

"It's the best job we've ever had. We have got to know people who have become friends and it has been brilliant working together – neither of us know what we will do next.

"But there is no point feeling sorry for ourselves. The people who use us aren't going to get any compensation for what they are losing and, in some way, you can't help but feel you are letting them down."

After a morning spent watching the comings and goings at the post office, the extent of what West Vale stands to miss is clear.

Wednesday is one of the quietest days of the week, but a steady trickle of people file in to post letters, withdraw money, buy birthday cards, or just have a quick chat.

Brian admits business has slowed noticeably in recent years, but says there is still a core of customers who rely heavily on the post office and would struggle without it.

"If you look at us on a map, it makes sense to take us out", Brian said. "There are bigger branches around us. It makes economic sense.

"But I don't think they have taken into account the community here. Not everyone has computers or can wait an hour for a bus to get to Elland. I don't know what they will do."

Michelle Finlay, of nearby Green Lane, who has been coming in four times a week for the past 10 years, said: "It is just disgraceful. This will have a real impact on the whole community.

"It's the way we are going and things are becoming much more impersonal."

"I was so shocked when I heard", said one elderly resident. "I have been coming here all my life and can't get around easily.

"I have no idea what I will do if it closes. The bus is impossible for me and I don't own a computer.

"It's like they just pick a place at random on the map and don't think about the people living there."

Brenda Settle, another regular, said: "People rely on it so much around here. There is no rhyme or reason to closing it down. I'm very sad and will truly miss the place."

There are also genuine fears about the knock-on effects of the closure across West Vale.

Dorothy Cassinelli, who runs a bakery in the village, said: "This is going to kill the village. We are all very worried. People come here and do a tour around all the shops and that will stop.

"I'm sad for them, sad for West Vale and sad for myself because this will certainly hit us as well." Local butcher Fred Ingham said: "This will have a huge impact on us as a community. We will soon have nothing left."

Across the country 2,500 post office closures are planned, with bosses blaming rising losses and a decline in customers.

The Courier exclusively revealed this week that Bell Hall, Holmfield, Scar Bottom, all Halifax; Shelf; Saddleworth Road, Greetland; Lightcliffe; Midgley; Stainland; Hove Edge, Brighouse; Portsmouth and Shade, both Todmorden, could all close.

A consultation has been organised by Calderdale Council, to give the hardest-hit areas the chance to speak out against the decision.

The meetings will be held at Todmorden Town Hall on Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm; Cliffe Hill Primary School, Lightcliffe, on Thursday from 6pm to 7pm; St Patrick's Church, Bolton Brow, on May 28 from 6pm to 7pm; Shelf Junior and Infant School, on May 29 from 6pm to 7pm; Greetland Primary School (School Street site) on June 2 from 6pm to 7pm and Mixenden and Ovenden Initiative on June 3 from noon to 1pm.

A questionnaire and petition have also been produced, both of which are available online and at libraries and public buildings.