BATTLE lines were being drawn today over plans to close 31 post offices across Essex.

Essex County Council leader Lord Hanningfield is expected to join south Essex MPs outside Parliament in a protest against the closure plans.

It comes after it emerged the sub-post office in the Chase, Rayleigh, as well as the Kings Parade branch in Nevendon Road, Wickford, and the Sunnymede branch in Greens Farm Lane, Billericay, are under threat.

Across the country, 2,500 post offices are threatened and it is expected more closures in south Essex will be announced in May.

Giles Roca, from Essex County Council, which organised today's protest, said: "It was announced on Tuesday there will be a six-week consultation into the closure of these post offices.

"So far there have been 31 announced in Essex, mainly in the north of the county.

"A further round of closures covering south Essex will be announced in May. The south of the county will be affected with a further announcement of closures next year. This is just the start.

"Post offices are vital for elderly and vulnerable people. They are a lifeline for so many people."

Campaigners are urging the Government to extend the six-week consultation period and to consider the knock-on effect closures will have on the local economy.

Eight MPs from the county have already signed up to the campaign, including Billericay Tory MP John Baron, Brentwood MP Eric Pickles and Mark Francois, Tory MP for Rayleigh.

Mr Francois is particularly annoyed because he campaigned for the branch in the Chase, Rayleigh, to be re-opened 18 months ago after it shut, in March, 2006, when a postmistress resigned.

He said: "I spent about 18 months campaigning to have the Chase reopened and I remember the joy on the faces of local residents last year when we eventually succeeded. So I am not about to let this go."

An online petition is at www.essexcc.gov.uk/ postoffices Any proposed closures in Southend and Castle Point have not yet been released.