This includes two branches which will be replaced by an outreach service - either a mobile service or a post office within other premises.

The first closures are due to take place in January.

The company identified branches which it said were no longer viable, pointing out that most customers would still be within a mile of a post office.

'Difficult decisions'

When a list of under-threat stores was published two months ago, many residents tried to rally round their branch by writing letters and gathering petitions.

But the announcement means - of those originally at risk - only the Post Office on Melton Road in West Bridgford is staying open.

Four million fewer people were using their local post office each week compared with two years ago and Post Office losses rose from £2m a week in 2005 to £4m a week last year, a spokesman said.

Mark Partington, Post Office Ltd's network development manager for the East Midlands, said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly.

"We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation.