Barkingside Post Office and South Woodford Post Office may be closed on Tuesday in another wave of strike action across the country.

The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) called the fifth round of strike action this year at crown offices, which are run directly by the post office, in opposition to plans to franchise branches.

Barkingside Post Office, in High Street, is one of 70 branches that could be closed and moved into a shop but South Woodford will not be changed.

The scheme is part of cost-cutting measures planned to stem £40million losses.

The CWU secured a £100 payment for staff in recent talks but was dissatisfied with the Post Office’s response to other demands.

CWU deputy general secreatary Dave Ward said there was “massive public opposition” to the franchise plans.

But Post Office network and sales director Kevin Gilliland said franchised branches would offer access to the same range products and services.

He added: “The CWU is in denial of the need for us to modernise our crown network.”

More than 10,000 branches are already run as a franchise, including offices in Ilford and Wanstead.