Support and advice is being offered to Poole communities whose post offices are under threat.

The Post Office is proposing to close three branches at Park Gates, Penn Hill Avenue and Sandbanks.

At its last council meeting Borough of Poole approved a motion deploring this action in areas where there are large numbers of elderly residents, it's hilly and there is a sparse bus service.

Members called on the Post Office to reconsider the closures and work with the council to ensure there were enough branches to maintain an essential community service.

The council wrote to the PO expressing its concern and calling for them to work together to continue these services.

"We are particularly concerned about the needs of the elderly and those who cannot access Post Office services in other ways," said Cllr Carol Evans, who represents Poole town.

"An overwhelming number of residents who will be affected by these proposed closures have contacted myself and fellow councillors and we have taken the decision to support the community in their fight to save these vital services," she said.

Councillors are advising residents that a document on how to object to a closure is on display in each threatened branch and that they can write to Post Watch and the Post Office with their views. Objections should include concerns around specific issues such as access to public transport, parking and road difficulties, key services that will be lost, hills, effect on other branches, numbers of older people, future housing developments and the effect on local businesses.

Letters should be sent to The National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, Freepost Consultation Team or emailed to consultation@postoffice.co.uk by September 12.