Local campaigner Julia Goldsworthy says she has been "overwhelmed" by the level of support voiced by local people who want to keep their post offices open. She has sent literally hundreds of signed petitions to the Post Office watchdog, in time for the end of the consultation process on the matter, which closes today.

Postwatch (the consumer watchdog for postal services) opened a consultation on three post offices in the Falmouth-Camborne area in December last year. In Camborne, Tuckingmill Post Office was recommended for closure, while in Falmouth the Post Offices in Arwenack St and at Bowling Green were put under threat of closure. Under Postwatch's agenda, all three could be closed by February.

"Despite the short timescale of the consultation, literally hundreds of local people have come out in support of their local post office - demonstrating that they consider it to be a truly valuable service. Had more time been available I'm sure we could have found many more supporters. I hope Postwatch will use this evidence to press the Post Office to abandon the proposed closure of their branches in Tuckingmill, Arwenack St and Bowling Green.

"Many elderly and disabled people rely on a nearby post office which is within walking distance - not everyone can easily get to a branch further away. People have clearly acted so quickly because they want to keep these vital local services."

Matthew Taylor, Truro's MP said comments concerning the proposals had to be in by Tuesday this week.

He raised the concerns of his constituents regarding three planned closures in his area - Mount Charles Post Office in St Austell, Hendra and Highertown Post Offices in Truro. He has been particularly concerned that the consultation period over Christmas and New Year has made it more difficult for constituents to raise petitions or meetings to raise their concerns. He has since called for an extension of the January 6 deadline.

"With closures planned right across Cornwall and Devon, I hope as many people as possible have responded. For elderly and disabled people in particular, locally accessible Post Offices are absolutely vital."