The closure of post offices hits at the very fabric of our society.

We may be less reliant on them than previous generations.

We can now buy our postage stamps at supermarkets, filling stations and numerous other places.

Many people receiving pensions and benefits have them paid directly into their bank accounts.

But post offices are still very much part of everyday life - and in some rural areas, they are the hub of the community.

Post Office bosses, however, are not moved by sentiment or need.

Their criterion is simply whether the offices are making a profit - the effect on their customers is of secondary importance, if important at all.

It is a matter of getting the balance sheet to balance, full stop.

If anyone doubts the swell of anger against the closures, they should read our special feature today.

Thousands of people in Oxfordshire, backed by the Oxford Mail and MPs, have joined the battle to save their post offices.

After petitions and letters of opposition were delivered to Downing Street and Post Office headquarters, ministers and officials should be in no doubt about the strength of feeling.

Given the level of Post Office losses, it is perhaps too optimistic to believe that all 22 offices in Oxfordshire under threat will be saved.

But we will be deeply disappointed - and angry - if our campaign is not partially successful.

However, even if one office is saved, officials have warned that another will face the axe elsewhere.

The Post Office remains totally inflexible - however much inconvenience is caused, 2,500 offices must shut.

It is difficult to get away from the fact that this business is treating its customers with utter contempt.