A petition has been launched to fight closure of a post office described as the "cornerstone of the community".

Barnet Labour councillors and Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson have joined forces to keep Barnet post office, in High Street, open.

The branch is among 38 branches across Greater London and 115 in the UK threatened with closure as the Post Office seeks to cut costs.

All those at risk of closure are 'crown' branches - those the Post Office operates directly, rather than offices based within other shops.  Branches in Cricklewood, Golders Green, Kilburn and Hampstead are also under threat.

Barnet Labour councillors have launched a petition to save the post office, which currently has 351 signatures.

It follows a petition from Childs Hill ward councillor Nigel Young and Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley Road and Golders Green, to save Golders Green post office.

They will also be talking to Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Catherine West, who managed to maintain post office provision in Wood Green with the opening of a new outlet in February after post office presence was withdrawn last year.

High Barnet councillor Emma Whysall said: “Barnet post office is an essential part of our high street.

"Closing it would deeply impact our local economy and community. Let’s fight together to keep it open and please sign the petition”.

Mr Tomlinson said: " I am deeply concerned that Barnet post office has been earmarked for closure.

"Post offices are cornerstones in our local communities, providing vital services and creating jobs for residents.

"I encourage all constituents to make their voices heard and sign the petition launched in collaboration with our local councillors.

"Now and always, I will campaign to protect Chipping Barnet's services."

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are considering a range of options to reduce our central costs. This includes considering the future of our remaining Directly Managed Branches (DMBs), which are loss-making.

"We have long held a publicly-stated ambition to move to a fully franchised network and we are in dialogue with the unions about future options for the DMBs.”

Visit www.change.org/p/save-barnet-post-office to sign the petition.