And the fact confirmation came only four weeks after the Royal Mail Group dismissed closure as "pure speculation" has added fuel to the fire.

Last month we were contacted by a concerned customer who had been informed the facility was to close.

She felt the Royal Mail could not justify the closure and urged all those affected to set up a petition.

At that time a spokesperson for the Royal Mail Group said the news of a possible closure was merely "pure speculation".

But as the "speculation" turned into reality, public figures were queuing up to condemn the Royal Mail Group's decision.

Alan Little, deputy chief executive of Lothian Borders and Angus Co-operative Society, expressed regret at the loss of the service.

He said: "The Post Office has served notice that it plans to close the branch currently located in our Dundee Road, Forfar store, subject to a period of public consultation.

"This is part of its UK-wide programme involving the compulsory closure of up to 2,500 branches.

"If the closure goes ahead this is likely to take effect in July.

"The society would regret the loss of such a facility for Co-op customers and is responding to the proposed move by highlighting the difficulties of reaching the nearest post office branch.

"The society employs one full-time and two part-time staff in the branch. They will be given every opportunity to transfer to other jobs within the society."

Gordon Wilks, the society's general manager - services, added: "We plan to refurbish the store in due course as part of our ongoing programme of improvements. The possible closure of the post office will have no impact on this refurbishment."