The former Conservative Party leader signed a petition against the government’s plans to shut more than 2,500 post offices – including a possible ten in the Five Towns area – at the Hardwick Road post office on Friday.

Pontefract Conservative councillors Geoff Walsh and Philip Booth launched the campaign and hundreds of townsfolk have also added their names to the list.

Karim Zadeh, sub-postmaster at Hardwick Road post office, said: “Mr Hague came along to add his support to the massive response we have already had from people.

“Things are getting quite tense now as we wait to find out where is closing.

“If this branch shuts it will have a massive effect on the community.”

Mr Hague – MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire – made a tour of post offices in the county last week.

Royal Mail will release a shortlist of West Yorkshire branches earmarked for closure on Tuesday May 13 and those chosen will start to shut from July.

To sign the post office petition email Coun Walsh at geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com or contact the Conservative Association, 11a Market Place, Pontefract, WF8 1AJ.