Mrs Isobel Ross spoke of her bitter disappointment at the decision by Post Office Limited to close the popular outlet.

She also spoke of her disappointment at the way in which details of the company's decision were leaked to the press which, she felt, was a slight to those who had campaigned for the retention of the post office, and the members of the public who had supported the campaign.

However, she was adamant Post Office Limited would have to be held accountable for their decision.

She said: "We will now look into the appeal process as we can't let the people of Forfar, the people who have supported us, down.

"We have to get answers from the Post Office and their reasons for this decision."

The community council, in conjunction with the Forfar Dispatch and Kirriemuir Herald, ran a local campaign to gauge public opinion on the planned closure of the Dundee Road Post Office - and some 535 people responded.

A public meeting arranged by Angus MP Mike Weir in St John's Hall was also well attended when numerous reasons for retaining the post office were put forward to representatives from the Post Office.

Mrs Ross continued: "The public meeting had a very positive response and a number of positive points were put forward.

"The campaign was conducted in a positive way and there was a lot of good input.

"I think the Post Office has lost the plot as to what they should deliver to the people and what the people need.

"What was the point of the consultation exercise?

"I am not happy that the results were delivered through the press and the media before the people knew the outcome.

"That was a very bad slight to the people who were running the campaign.

"This, to me, shows the extent of their customer care.

"I realise the press and the media have to be told things but I think the people who were conducting the campaign and who took the time to put in their views should have been considered too."

Mrs Ross stated the community council had been optimistic about the outcome of the campaign to save the post office and she was now concerned about the possible reduction in service in the town.

She stated the town was waiting for news of changes to the bus service.

"The bus service was one of the things listed as good points for the Post Office in West High Street.

"But what they have failed to take into consideration is negotiating the Myre car park and the walk up Boyle's Close, which is difficult for disabled people.

"There are also proposals for parking restrictions in Boyle's Close beside the Post Office and West High Street. Where are people going to park?"

She pledged the community council would not give up the fight just because they had received bad news.

"If there is a right to appeal then we will go down that road.

"This is not the right decision. There are new houses in the pipeline - where are these families going to get their postal services?

"There is bound to be an increase in demand at the main post office. We will look into the appeal process as we can't let the people of Forfar and the people who supported us down.

"I feel bitterly disappointed. The Dundee Road Post Office hasn't been given a reprieve, not any kind of reprieve."