Calls made for funding to help protect countryside post offices from closure

THE GOVERNMENT is being urged to continue funding rural post offices amid the continued closure of pubs and banks.

Research published today for Citizens Advice has found that one in four people living in villages or other rural areas relied on their local post office for information about local services or events.

A survey of 800 residents in rural communities also showed that one in five of those polled believed that they would lose contact with neighbours of friends if their local post office closed.

Small business owners also feared higher costs without a local post office, according to Citizens Advice.

The organisation’s chief executive Gillian Guy said: “With pubs and banks closing up shop in many rural areas, post offices remain crucial community institutions.

“This is especially true for vulnerable groups like older people, people with a disability, carers and those who do not have access or the skills to use the internet.

“That is why we’re calling on the Government to ensure vulnerable groups are protected by confirming funding for the postal network, including crucial rural post offices.”

The Government said nearly £2bn will have been invested between 2010 and next year in modernising and maintaining what is “now the most stable post office network in decades”.

A spokesman for the Government added: “The Government remains committed to funding the Post Office in order to further enhance the national network.

“We will publish our response to the consultation in due course.”