Sir – I write in respect of the proposal to close the post office in Old Hatfield. The Hatfield Park Estate in conjunction with local businesses and residents intends to hold a public charrette (consultation) in the autumn to progress plans for

Sir - I write in respect of the proposal to close the post office in Old Hatfield. The Hatfield Park Estate in conjunction with local businesses and residents intends to hold a public charrette (consultation) in the autumn to progress plans for revitalising the Old Town and restoring its former vibrancy.

The consultation will build on existing planning permissions for additional housing and business premises in the Old Town, as well as advanced proposals to improve the station and its forecourt.

It would seem illogical for the Post Office to decide to close Old Hatfield branch without having considered these projects and initiatives. Indeed, we very much hope that the Post Office will take a very full part in the consultations and have invited them to do so. We believe that the Post Office continues to fulfil an important role for the local community and that a decision to close at the present time would be premature and ill-advised.

P W J Clegg, chief executive, Gascoyne Cecil Estates, Hatfield.