Nicholas has written to the DTI to give his full support to Mid Sussex District Council’s submission to the consultation on the future of the Post Office Network.

Nicholas said; “The Government needs to realise that Post Offices are as much about people as stamps, parcels, benefits and licences. If they would only get the hang of that we would be able to achieve a balanced and coherent service that represents the real interests of a diverse community who really need these Offices. Post Offices make a vital contribution to community life and we will defend them in Mid Sussex.”

Mr Soames said; “As the All-Party Trade and Industry Select Committee recently reported the Government must ensure that sub-postmasters have the maximum possible freedom to develop their service offerings, including a fresh look at Post Offices as one-stop government ‘shop windows’. Sub-Postmasters must be given greater freedoms to offer a range of products and services.”

“It strikes me that by failing to view the network in social terms the Government is undermining its own policy on sustainable communities.”