ROYAL Mail is pledging to provide a bumper service to residents in Glasgow's East End despite shutting the area's only sorting office.

Postal chiefs are preparing to switch operations from Bridgeton to an industrial estate in Cambuslang before the end of the month.

The controversial decision to axe the Bridgeton sorting office in Cubie Street, which serves more than 21,000 residents, is going ahead despite repeated protests from politicians, community leaders and thousands of locals.

Royal Mail is ignoring the backlash by ploughing ahead with its plans to transfer services to its Glasgow South East Delivery Office at Fullarton Drive.

Officials are even trying to persuade SPT transport bosses to provide a regular bus link between Cambuslang Investment Park and the Bridgeton area following public complaints the industrial estate is too remote.

And in a letter to community activists, postal chiefs shrugged off the widespread criticism by defending the closure.

Royal Mail has already axed a third of Glasgow's sorting offices.

A spokesman said: "This move is part of our continuous drive to deliver great service to customers.

"As part of our business-wide investment and modernisation programme, Royal Mail is investing in new technology, equipment, vans and upgraded operational facilities.

"These new facilities will provide the most efficient and effective network for delivering the post."

But protesters are unhappy.

A spokesman for Dennistoun Community Council, which has helped organise a public and political campaign of opposition, said: "Despite this overwhelming level of support from all local quarters for the continuation of a truly local service, rather than relocation to a site on a remote industrial estate, the proposed closure looks set to go ahead on January 28.

"Royal Mail has said it will be communicating its intentions and publicising the changes that will be taking place as a result of the closure."

Royal Mail says the public can benefit from extended opening hours at the sorting office in Cambuslang where a free redelivery service will be offered. However, it also admits a fee will be charged if any customer wants items delivered to a Post Office.

The spokesman said: "The move underlines the company's commitment to improving mail services and investing in Glasgow."