ROYAL Mail will lose swathes of customers if it goes ahead with plans to axe delivery offices, according to a leading councillor.

The Echo reported yesterday how the company announced it would be closing offices in Leigh , Shoebury , Rochford , Great Wakering and Canewdon and moving them to a Royal Mail outlet in Short Street, Southend.

The closures, part of cost-cutting measures set to be introduced in Spring 2013, could see some people having to undertake a 15-mile round trip to pick up packages.

John Lamb , deputy leader of Southend Council and councillor responsible for regeneration, believes Royal Mail will become less appealing to customers and will lose even more cash.

He said: “This is a real backwards step.

“If they are trying to encourage more people to use the service, they are just making themselves look less appealing.

“They need to look at how they can make their service more attractive and at the same time keep costs down.”

Royal Mail claims the change was prompted by a decline in the number of letters being sent through the post. Mr Lamb added: “They need to make it easier for customers, not more difficult. Even if they have shorter opening hours they must keep the delivery offices open.

“Businesses will use private firms for deliveries instead.”

David Schindler, 51, of George Street, Shoebury, believes the move will affect elderly residents and those with mobility issues.

He said: “The delivery office in Shoebury is just round the corner from me and it is extremely handy when a parcel can’t get delivered.

“Having it there is a vital part of the community. It gives local people jobs and it is an essential service for many.

“It will be incredibly inconvenient for local users everywhere.

“I think the biggest impact is going to be on the elderly population and people who cannot get around easily.”