THE fight is continuing to reopen two axed post offices in Nottingham despite a decision by bosses not to reinstate them.

City council representatives are set to meet Post Office bosses on Monday to argue their case to reopen branches in Carrington and New Lenton.

Campaigners suffered a major blow this week when they were told on Wednesday that the Post Office Ltd had decided not to allow their reinstatement.

Colin Barratt, who chaired a campaign meeting on Wednesday, said: "We are angry that the Post Office doesn't seem to be listening. All the politicians need to get together to bring pressure on the Post Office, and make them wake up."

Negotiations have been taking place between the Post Office and city council for months, but now the company says reopening the Lenton and Carrington branches would make remaining ones less viable.

The council was looking at developing a model similar to one operating in Essex, where branches are being reopened in partnership with the local authority and Post Office Ltd. Council services are also offered through post offices in the model.

Representatives, including city council leader Jon Collins, have asked to meet Post Office bosses on Monday to clarify the position and discuss other arguments for reopening the branches.

Members of a joint campaign to save the two post offices, which began a year ago after the closures were announced, believe disability access is one of their strongest arguments.

Mr Barratt said: "I think the issue of disability access has always been the key one in our campaign.

"This is one of the reasons why this campaign had endured."

Campaigners are taking hope from the case of 74-year-old widow Mary Davies, who has forced Post Office Ltd to reopen a branch in Stroud, Gloucestershire, pending a High Court judgment expected by the end of the year.

As a sufferer of acute osteoperosis, Mrs Davies finds it difficult to walk, and claims the closure of Uplands Post Office is a discrimination against disabled customers like herself, and, as such, is a breach of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.

If she wins her case, it could force Post Office Ltd to reopen others closed as part of its Network Change programme.

The closure of Carrington Post Office has particularly affected disabled customers, campaigners say.

The Sherwood branch, which is meant to be the alternative, has steps outside which means it is not accessible for people who use mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Planning permission for a ramp has also been refused due to a lack of space.

Coun Emma Dewinton said of the Monday meeting with Post Office managers, requested in response to a letter the council received: "I think it's important we make all the points we can."

Caroline.lowbridge@ nottinghameveningpost.co.uk