POSTAL SERVICES watchdog Postwatch Scotland has urged Fife customers to have their say on the future of post offices before the Government’s consultation period ends in one month.

The Government is proposing to close up to 2500 post offices throughout the UK, establish new minimum access criteria to maintain a national network, put in place 500 outreach services such as mobile post offices, and continue to fund the rural network to 2011.

These proposed changes seek to address the network’s difficulties, with 90% of rural branches failing to make a profit, revenue from Government transactions falling by £168 million last year, and overall financial losses for the network expected to rise from £111 million to £200 million this year.

Postwatch Scotland chairman Alan Alexander said the Government’s proposals signalled a massive change for the post office network, and anyone who uses these services should take an interest in the consultation.

“Postwatch has been urging the Government to take action to address the current problems and to put in place a sustainable way of meeting customers’ post office needs. We therefore welcome the opportunity the consultation gives to contribute our thoughts on the appropriate next steps.

“No decisions have yet been taken, so there are no figures for how many post offices will close in Scotland, or where closures will occur.

“However, if 2500 closures go ahead, and if these are split proportionally across the UK, that would result in 296 in Scotland. Of course, the actual number may be higher or lower than this.”

The chairman added the independent watchdog had been in touch with scores of organisations, charities and councils across Scotland to raise awareness of the Government’s proposals.

“We are encouraging as many people and organisations as possible to respond, to ensure the views and concerns of Scotland are fully taken into account.

“With one month to go before the deadline for responses, if you have not yet submitted your comments, there is still time to do so,” he said.