MP backs billion pound Post Office investment

A BILLION pound deal which will help secure the future of rural post offices has been welcomed by Pershore's MP Harriett Baldwin.

Post Affairs Minister Ed Davey announced an additional £1.3 billion of government funding this week to half the programme of post office closures and urged the Post Office to maintain its network at the current level.

The money will also be used to help the Post Office to work with communities to maintain counter services.

Mrs Baldwin had previously spoken with the minister about a number of rural post offices in the area and said she was concerned at the number of vacant former post offices.

"I get lots of correspondence from constituents expressing their frustration at the time it takes to get a Post Office service operational," she said.

"I hope that with this large Government investment, our network can now be properly preserved for the future and to continue to offer vital services for our rural communities."

The Post Office is trialling a number of solutions for ensuring that communities keep their counter service including using space in shops, hotels and even garden centres, a move welcomed by Mrs Baldwin.

"I welcome any steps which will help to secure the future of our network of rural post offices which are often a mainstay of the community," she added.

"Clearly the Post Office have some challenges ahead to ensure a continued service in some of our rural villages and I hope that our local communities can work in partnership to try and find some innovative solutions."