AROUND 15 post offices in North Somerset and Sedgemoor could be lost under Government plans to do away with them in rural and urban deprived areas

AROUND 15 post offices in North Somerset and Sedgemoor could be lost under Government plans to do away with them in rural and urban deprived areas.Post offices in Banwell, Brent Knoll, Winscombe, Cheddar and Yatton could be among those at risk following proposals drawn up by Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling.But Liberal Democrat Prospective MP Mike Bell has spoken out against the proposals arguing "it is ministers who have taken business away from post offices, like TV licenses and passports."He said: "We've got to lose 2,500 post offices by 2009. The Weston area has already lost five post offices in the last few years - and now even more are under threat."Cheddar Traders' Association chairman Sue Moore is 'aghast' at the announcement. She said: "They are the heart of the village. It would be a sad day if village post offices close."Cllr Bell has started on on-line petition which can be signed by visiting www.mike-bell.org.uk.