Royal Mail is to close more than 60 branches, across the midlands and Wales in the latest cull of post offices.

They have also launched a consultation to decide the future of offices in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

'Huge disappointment' has been expressed by Birmingham City Council's Cabinet Member for Local Services and Community Safety, Councillor Ayoub Khan, following the announcement that 25 Birmingham Post Offices will now close.

Councillor Khan said: "This is a huge blow to the city and a huge blow to both employees who are working in the branches and to those people who have relied upon the valuable services that the 25 closing Post Offices provide.

'The Council provided a detailed report to both Post Office Ltd and Postwatch setting out reasons why each one of the Post offices should remain open. From the outset we have made it clear that we are against the closure of any Post Offices in the city as we believe they have an invaluable role to play in our city both commercially and socially.

'We still see Post Offices as a vital part of our neighbourhoods and integral to creating vibrant urban villages, and we are deeply saddened by today's announcement.'

Councillor Audrey Steel, Member for Community Engagement and Rural Affairs at Wychavon Council, in Worcestershire, said: 'The Council will digest the information before we make a formal response, but I recognise that those communities affected by the proposed closures will be very disappointed by the announcement.'

The chairman of the Local Government Association, a cross party organisation representing councils in England, Sir Simon Milton said: 'Many councils who have been trying to find innovative options, they have often been met with unhelpful stonewalling.

'For many people, the Post Office is the lifeblood of the high street, and the role post offices play in helping people who conduct their financial affairs in cash is vital. This low level financial advice service plays an important role in helping some of the most vulnerable people in society.

'Councils have long battled against the closure of post offices, working with local residents to find new, fresh and innovative ways to make sure that post office counter services are not lost to people who live in disadvantaged areas.

'Councils are committed to creating places where people can thrive. If the Post Office decides that a branch should be considered for closure then it is only right that local people and local councils are given the facts as early as possible so that alternate ways of keeping the services available can be investigated.

'The Post Office must ensure that it works closely with councils to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the people the post office network serves.'