Concerns have been raised over plans by the Post Office to replace hundreds of its branches with alternative sites known as Post Office Locals.

According to a report by the BBC, there are worries that these smaller outlets, often found in pubs, village shops and petrol stations, will not offer the same range of services. The Federation of Small Businesses has expressed concerns that some firms will not be able to complete all their business in Post Office Locals and so will be forced to travel to larger branches as a result.

Firms are worried that if they do not have access to the parcel delivery services they require locally, but are unable to travel to larger branches for whatever reason, it will make them less competitive.

Pressure group The Countryside Alliance has also voiced its concerns about the plans and the availability of "limited counter services" in rural areas.

Alice Barnard, the group's chief executive, said: "Isolated rural communities stand to suffer the most from the closures and loss of postal services. We are concerned that there has been insufficient public scrutiny of the new model and the effect it will have on people's everyday lives."

A Post Office spokesman told the BBC that a survey had been carried out of customers using the 140 pilot Post Office Locals which are currently in operation. It found 96 per cent of people were very satisfied with the service.

Written by Adam Morgan



Article Added: 19/12/2011 10:31:00