3,000 post offices to be closed

UP TO a third of urban post offices are to close, it has been confirmed. Almost 60% of towns and cities will lose at least five post offices as 3,000 across the country shut their doors.

Fifty-nine are expected to close in Birmingham, 37 in Edinburgh, 34 in Leeds, 28 in Liverpool, 24 in Manchester and 23 in Newcastle. Many more will go in London.

The three-year cost-cutting plan, set to begin in January, will be backed by a £200m Government compensation package.

Sub-postmasters in struggling offices will be offered an average of £67,600 to close, while those remaining open will be given funding for refurbishments.

Consignia, which runs the loss-making network, wants surviving offices to offer more services. Grants will be offered to install facilities such as internet cafes.

The scheme has been condemned by MPs and consumer groups, particularly those representing the elderly, who fear the loss of a vital community service.

Consignia said: 'We have no choice. If people do not use them we cannot keep them open.'