Telford & Wrekin Council has joined the fight against post office closures in the borough, branding bosses “mean and spiteful” and “muddled”.The ruling cabinet last night singled out the plight of threatened Randlay Post Office in particular.

Chief executive Steve Wellings accused Post Office chiefs of muddled thinking. He called the proposed closure of Randlay “economic madness” when it turned a profit and was used by 1,000 customers a week.

Council leader Councillor Andrew Eades labelled the closure plans “mean and spiteful”, saying the Council should fight them “fight tooth and nail”.

Members agreed to call a meeting with the network development manager of Post Offices Ltd and the watchdog Postwatch.

Meanwhile, Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council is making a people power plea to save Randlay, claiming it provides an essential facility.

Members have now drawn up a letter which will be sent to Post Office Ltd and PostWatch illustrating the strong support behind the fight to keep the branch open.

Randlay is one of 28 post offices in Shropshire lined up for the axe under the Post Office’s plan to close 2,500 across the country.

Council clerk Mrs Katrina Baker said: “We are acting on behalf of the community at their request. It has been a very strong campaign with lots of support and we just hope the Post Office will listen to the views of the people.”

More than 1,800 have so far signed a petition opposing closure and residents are being urged to send a tear-off slip attached to a newsletter to Post Office bosses.

Mrs Baker said they felt the decision to close the post office was being made based on out-of-date information.