Ms Davies, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire, spent the day working with Joan and Glyn Bailey, to highlight the important role the offices play in the community.

Public consultation was supposed to take place in March or April this year, but at the request of the government, the Post Office is to delay announcing the names of the threatened post offices until after the county council elections in May.

Ms Davies said: "It is bad enough that post offices face this huge uncertainty, but to extend that period just because Labour councillors could lose seats as a result of the unpopularity of post office closures is callous and self serving.

"Everyone is becoming aware of the fact that our post offices are facing threats of closure, but what they don't know yet is the extent of those closures. We're not talking one or two.

"The best way to hear people's views about their local post office is to ask them directly and so far, every single person I have met, while working behind the counter, has felt very passionately that their post office is vital to their community.

"In areas like Brecon and Radnorshire, they are the hub of daily village life, and a crucial contribution to the prospects of survival for our rural communities.

"The older people and young mothers wondered how on earth they would be able to get access to their money if they had to travel to the nearest big town every time they needed cash.

"I especially wanted to speak to those who use Howey PO, as Joan and Glyn had written in support of Howey School. "The village would change immeasurably if it lost its school, shop and Post Office.

"What has been very encouraging is that it's clear that if the Post Office wants a fight, it's going to get one. There will be uproar when individual post offices are finally identified."