AN MP spent a morning helping to kick off National Post Office Week in his constituency. Alistair Burt, MP for North East Bedfordshire, visited post offices in Upper Caldecote and Potton to see first hand the problems of rural post offices that are under

AN MP spent a morning helping to kick off National Post Office Week in his constituency.

Alistair Burt, MP for North East Bedfordshire, visited post offices in Upper Caldecote and Potton to see first hand the problems of rural post offices that are under threat of closure.

In Upper Caldecote he was joined by local councillors Jo Davison, Anita Lewis and John Lewis, and was accompanied by Andrew Craddock, secretary of the local National Federation of Sub Postmasters.

Mr Craddock and Cllrs Anita and John Lewis also visited the Potton Post Office with the MP.

Mr Burt said: "I know what a lifeline and community benefit the post offices are in our villages. I am appalled at this Government's attitude to our rural communities and will do all I can to support this campaign.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Post Office staff and customers - just a short while spent in each post office convinces me even more that we must not let these vital services be lost."

"Our rural village services have been under attack from all fronts," said Cllr Nicky Attenborough. "It is vitally important that local councils ensure that each and every person living in our borough, whether urban or rural, has the support of services for their community - and the post offices have a key role to play."

Cllr Davison agreed with Cllrs Anita and John Lewis that village life was badly affected when post offices were closed.

"It's not just somewhere to pay bills and buy stamps; for many rural communities it's the centre of communication for a village, and a lifeline especially for families and the elderly," said Cllr Davison.

The coalition supporting the post offices consists of Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureau, The Countryside Alliance, The Communication Workers Union and Local Works, The National Federation of Sub Postmasters, The National Pensioners' Convention and the Royal National Institute for the Blind.