Two South Pembrokeshire post offices have been hit with closure threats this week. Penally and Templeton Post Offices could face the axe in Post Office Ltd's cost-cutting proposals. The two facilities are among 18 in Pembrokeshire and West Carmarthenshire now under review in a six-week consultation period. And there was more bad news for other branches - nine could be downgraded to an 'outreach' service. Locally, Blaunwaun near Whitland, Llanboidy, Milton and Tavernspite post offices are all earmarked for the proposed mobile service. Commenting on the news, local AM Angela Burns, said: "At last, this lengthy and very stressful process which has been hanging over post office workers is over. "The closure of a post office will have a detrimental effect on many communities, especially in rural areas, and once again we are seeing people's choices being taken away." Simon Hart, Conservative parliamentary candidate, added: "To many communities, the post office is the last service left to them and its removal will have a serious effect on the most needy in society. "If local communities value their post office they should use this six-week consultation period to campaign against closure," he added. Pembrokeshire County Councillor, Elwyn Morse, who represents Narberth Rural, which includes Templeton, has urged residents of the area to join with him in fighting the proposals. "This is indeed very sad news for those residents of both Templeton and Cold Blow who will lose this vital service, which is a lifeline for many people. "A further disappointment is the fact that Templeton is not being offered the alternative outreach services that are proposed for other Pembrokeshire villages that are losing their post office." Clr. Mrs. Carol Cavill, who represents Penally, said she was sad to know the village's post office was under threat. "It's served the village well and if it is closed, it will cause a serious inconvenience to local residents," she said. If the axe did fall, Clr. Mrs. Cavill said she hoped that at the least an outreach service would be set up. The announcement made this week by Post Office Ltd is part of a plan to cut costs across the network. Due to mounting financial losses and falling customer numbers, in May of last year, the Government decided Post Office Ltd should close up to 2,500 branches throughout the UK. These closures will take place up to the end of 2008. Additionally, 500 replacement 'outreach' services, such as mobile post offices, will be opened. Postwatch, the independent watchdog for postal services, has scrutinised and provided comments on Post Office Ltd's proposals for South and West Wales in advance of the public consultation. "Post office closures are not good news for customers, but the Government has decided that a significant number are necessary to help put in place a sustainable network for the long-term," commented Eifion Pritchard QPM, chair of Postwatch Wales. "We would urge customers to study Post Office Ltd's proposals, consider what the implications are for them, and give their views to Post Office Ltd," he added. The deadline for responses is July 14.