'Execution stay' for post office branch

The proposed closure of four out of five post offices in Belper, Derbyshire, has been debated in the House of Commons.

West Derbyshire MP Patrick McLoughlin says more than 25% in his constituency have closed since 1997.

The Post Office says there are already too many branches competing for too little business in Belper.

But it has given a stay of execution to the Windmill Lane branch after the discussion on Tuesday.

Further issues

Mr McLoughlin said: "I would like to see a halt to this closure programme and a review of the way it's being carried forward.

"I would also like to see post office counters looking at new ways to get business for the post offices themselves."

Mike Dalton from the Post Office said: "(The discussion) was subject to representations we had both from Patrick McLoughlin and also from Derbyshire County Council and Postwatch, the consumer body for postal services.

"Because of that feedback, we've decided to do is go away and look at some further issues that Postwatch has raised."

'Harsh reality'

But Post Office Campaigner Frank Wheeldon is still angry.

He said: "The main post office is very busy now.

"When we get four more closures it's going to be horrendous."

Nationally, a third of post offices in urban areas are to close and 44 are in the East Midlands.

In a statement, the Post Office said: "The harsh reality is that due to falling numbers, increasing running costs and benefits payments being made directly to bank accounts, changes have to be made."