Fault hits mobile postal service

The fault meant the van could only provide a limited service

A mobile service to replace a recently closed post office in Devon ran into difficulties on its first day because of a technical fault.

The "outreach van" was supposed to be operating in Shebbear on Monday after the village branch shut last week.

But the fault meant that the van could not process card payments or give people their pensions.

The Post Office said it had apologised to customers and said the fault was being repaired.

'Looking silly'

The village's former sub-postmaster Keith Horwell said: "A van turned up and it didn't work.

"It's a bit ironic really because we fought long and hard to try and keep the post office open and we thought we had a very strong case to do so.

"The Post Office promised a marvellous service which hasn't happened. They look very silly."

In a statement, the Post Office said that its mobile services had been working well since they were introduced around the country.

It added: "Unfortunately, we have suffered some technical problems today and we are working hard to resolve the problem as quickly as possible."