COUNCIL leader Paul Scriven took to the streets to highlight the struggle elderly residents will face if their local post office closes.
Coun Scriven made the steep one mile climb from Oakbrook Road Post Office in Nether Green to the Fulwood branch on Brooklands Avenue - listed by the Post Office as the nearest alternative for customers.
He was joined by customers of the Oakbrook Road branch, while residents of the nearby Firth's Homes sheltered housing scheme aired their concerns at the start of the walk.
The majority of them are in their late 80s or 90s and were physically unable to join him for the trek up the hill.
Les Brown, a warden at the complex, said: "The Oakbrook Road branch is just across the road from the homes and it will be a struggle for the residents if it closes.
"A good few are unable to ride on the bus. If they close it down it will cause a good deal of hardship and distress."
The Fulwood branch is a mile away from the closure-threatened Oakbrook Road branch. To get there residents face a long walk up steep Nethergreen Road or they must walk 400 yards to the bus stop and 70 yards at the other end.
Coun Scriven said: "On paper it may seem a short distance to the next one, but you can't avoid the fact that Sheffield has seven hills and valleys in between.
"This is a story that we are hearing time and time again in the city during our campaign to keep the 16 threatened post offices open.
"Local services in our communities will be severely undermined by the proposed closures. Sending a parcel or collecting your pension should not be an uphill struggle."
Campaigners in Meersbrook are planning a "hill march" protest, walking from closure-threatened Derbyshire Lane post office to the suggested alternative in Woodseats.
Protesters will meet at Derbyshire Lane post office at 10am tomorrow.
Campaign organiser Barbara Jackson said: "The Post Office might say the alternative branch is only 0.9 mile away but for us it's like the last 0.9 mile of Everest!
"The 'short-cut' to Woodseats post office involves going down a steep hill, followed by a cobbled path with handrails and steps, followed by another steep hill. Most protesters will not be able to even attempt to walk down, but will wave off the few that can.
"We will be taking a video of this 'alternative' to show to the Post Office."
At least 50 people are expected on the protest with banners and placards.
Log on to
sheffield.gov.uk/saveourpostoffices to sign the council's petition opposing the closures. Copies are also available at the Town Hall, First Point offices and all local libraries.
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