Post Office staff, campaigners and councillors joined forces to stage a final protest against plans to move East Finchley Post Office.

The Communications Workers' Union (CWU), which represents postal workers, organised the rally outside the Post Office in Viceroy Parade yesterday, before it was officially franchised to Universal Office Equipment (UOE) in High Road today.

The CWU's campaign was backed by Labour councillors Alison Moore and Arjun Mittra, who joined the demonstration.

More than 2,350 people signed a petition against the move, claiming it would be detrimental to staff and the quality of postal services.

A spokesman from the Post Office said they have had "positive feedback" from customers about the new layout of the service in UOE.

He added: "Customers have also told us that the quality of service has been good. The benefits of the extended opening hours, particularly on Sundays, have been another positive.

"We stated from the off that we were committed to keeping a Post Office branch in East Finchley and to maintaining the same levels of service for our customers.

"The best way for us to safeguard services in East Finchley for the future and provide a sustainable service has been for us to change the way we operate it.

"We are confident that Universal Office Equipment will provide a fantastic service as our new franchise partners."