George is highly critical of the Government's decision to press ahead with the closure of some 2,500 post offices, following the recent consultation exercise.

"Given the weight of public opinion that the post office network is a vital community amenity, particularly in rural areas, it is outrageous that the Government is pressing ahead with the programme of closures.

"I have particular sympathy with rural subpostmasters who, despite a highly effective campaign and a detailed consultation exercise, still do not know where the axe will fall. Working with local councillors and MPs, we have raised our concerns in the House of Commons telling the Government that subpostmasters in Norfolk were finding it extremely hard to do business in the current climate of uncertainty. The recent statement will serve only to make matters worse for those who have invested huge amounts of time and effort serving the community.

"It seems that the Government's policy of deciding closures on so-called access criteria means that even successful Post Offices may close just because of their geography. Successful sub-Post Masters who have spent years building up their business will now be forced to close by this Government."

The Government promised to listen. Instead, it has failed to give sub-postmasters the freedom they need to expand their business, and failed to give elderly and disadvantaged people in rural communities the security of knowing that their post office will remain open. It is an insult to rural areas like Mid Norfolk and shows the Government's ignorance and neglect of rural communities.

Photo: Fighting Post Office Closures