Discussion over post office plans

Residents in Derbyshire are being urged to give their opinions on the future of local post offices.

A six-week public consultation is due to start at the end of September as the Post Office gets ready to announce closures in the county.

The Post Office currently has plans to close some branches in the Chesterfield, High Peak and North East Derbyshire areas.

County councillor Geoff Carlile said he needed input from county residents.

'Vital role'

"Post offices play a vital social and economic role in local communities and it is important we have a stable, viable network of offices for the future," said Mr Carlile.

"I will be looking closely at the Post Office's plans in our area as we need to ensure that it has taken full account of the needs of communities affected.

"We have been working hard to ensure that services are safeguarded and we will do whatever we can to use our influence to retain services where they are needed."

Those residents wanting to comment on the proposals will be able to do so after 2 October, directly to the Post Office.