A petition has been launched to keep open two under threat post offices.

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, there is a danger the post offices could close.

The petition calls on the Post Office to keep the offices open, and has been backed by over 600 people and by political parties from across the spectrum. Many more have signed an offline, paper version.

It also demands that opening hours be maintained at the current level, even if the offices do move into private hands.

Cllr Gail Engert, Haringey Lib Dem leader, said: “We are pushing the Post Office to ensure that we do not lose post offices in Muswell Hill and Crouch End, which provide very important services for local residents.

“Hundreds of local residents have already backed the petition and it is important that the community can express their concern as strongly as possible.”

Labour MP for Hornsey and Wood Green Catherine West said in an email to Paula Vennells, chief executive of the Post Office, "I am concerned that you have identified Crouch End and Muswell Hill Crown Post Offices for potential franchising as both these Post Offices provide an important service to the community and local businesses and are particularly valued by older and less mobile residents.”

Ronald Stewart, Green party candidate for the Enfield and Haringey GLA seat, said: “The proposal suggests that it could be businesses who could take over the franchise. In Muswell Hill this would mean potentially a tiny post office counter in an already cramped small shop.

“In addition, there is the potential for an interruption in service while the closure and franchising happens and while necessary changes are made in the premises of the franchisee.

“If both Crouch End and Muswell Hill Post Offices shut, there will not be a Post Office service within a reasonable distance for thousands of households.”

You can sign the petition here: http://goo.gl/forms/YUnkLFJq8e