CAMPAIGNERS have been boycotting retailers which are supporting the franchise of two post offices.

The Save Our Post Office Crouch End Residents' Group protested outside the Budgen's store on the High Street, on Saturday afternoon.

If the plans go ahead, there will be a smaller version of the branch at the back of the store, but the group says this “downgrade” the service.

The post offices in Crouch End and Muswell Hill have been put forward for private franchises and if no-one is found to take them on, they could close.

Members of the public queued up to sign pledges to boycott any business which takes on the franchise and to shop elsewhere.

The Save our Post Office Muswell Hill Residents' Group will also be launching a similar "Boycott Pledge" campaign on the High Street outside WH Smith store on Saturday June 25 at 4pm.

Clive Tickner, a Communication Workers Union representative, believes drastic action is needed to ensure communities do not lose their nearest postal service.

He said: "Local residents are determined to stop Crouch End Crown Post Office being ripped from the heart of the community.

“A massive number of people have already signed petitions opposing this hugely unpopular and short-sighted move.

“We are taking our campaign to the next level and have launched a boycott of any business who might be tempted to squeeze a second-rate postal service into the back of their shop.

“Make no mistake, we will not rest until the Post Office drop their disastrous plans.”