SEDGEMOOR'S Post Office breathed a collective sigh of relief today (Tuesday), when it was revealed that only ONE of them will be among more than 65 Somerset branches earmarked for the axe.

The Mercury reported last week that Government recommendations to trim the branch network in Somerset by almost a third to save money had been accepted by Post Office Ltd.

At the time, it was feared that a reduction in branch numbers could leave many people - particularly elderly and immobile - isolated.

But it was announced today that Bason Bridge post office near Highbridge would be the only Sedgemoor outlet among those being considered for closure, quelling fears that the district's post office network could be decimated.

A six-week consultation is now underway for those branches earmarked for closure, the majority of which lie in the Bristol, Weston or South Somerset areas.

Post Office Ltd spokesman Tony Jones 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.

"Post Office Ltd's aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local community as possible."

The changes to the service will mean that nearly 90% of people in the area will see no change to their nearest branch, while a further 9% will live less than a mile from the nearest alternative branch.

News of the branch cull has been accepted by watchdog body Postwatch, whose South West chairman Christina Baron said it will monitor progress.

She said: "Post office closures are not good news for customers, but the Government has decided that a significant number are necessary to help put in place a sustainable network for the long-term.

"Postwatch accepts the rationale for change. It is important that this happens in a way that minimises customer inconvenience and confusion.

"That means Post Office Ltd's decisions must be sensible and public consultation meaningful. Our priority is to ensure this is the case."