Minister backs Post Office plan

Critics say post office closures could devastate communities

The Post Office has been urged to begin talks with a county council over saving branches faced with closure.

Essex County Council has expressed interest in taking over many branches for its own service needs.

John Baron, MP for Billericay, said the county council was offering to pay to help keep some post offices open in his constituency but was not being helped.

The minister responsible, Pat McFadden, said he wanted the project to succeed and hoped talks would start soon.

He told Parliament: "I have encouraged the Post Office to talk to Essex County Council.

"I have also spoken to the county's chief executive on two occasions and I hope discussions will take place."