MP hits out at post office threats

Mr Herbert intervened in a House of Commons debate to speak out against the proposed closures, which amount to a fifth of the existing post office network.

They come on top of more than 4,000 post office closures across the country, and the loss of two in Mr Herbert's Arundel and South Downs constituency, since 1999. Mr Herbert has met with both sub postmasters and post office customers, and recently opened a new post office in Upper Beeding.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Herbert said he was keen to ensure post offices' future, adding a solution would be to allow them to become "one-stop shops" where people could access information and services from both local and central government.

"The government's announcement represents another example of its failure to understand rural communities and their needs," said Mr Herbert.

"Local post offices are an important community resource and it is vital that we do all we can to examine new ways of ensuring their sustainability."