In recent times the post office has seen a reduction in the number of people using its services as we all do more of our business online rather than in person but what the general public often fail to realise is that the disappearance of local post offices leaves a gaping hole in many communities.

The weekly journey to the village post office to collect their pension was for some elderly folks the only opportunity they had of connecting with people and socialising. Once the post office decided to close its post office accounts for many people this lifeline disappeared. This has been especially difficult for those without transport or those that have no choice but to use their local services.

If there is still a local post office in your location it is important that you continue to use it for banking, taxing vehicles, transferring money and sending parcels and letters because if more and more of us turn our backs on this vital part of the community it will be taken away. Even if it is sometimes easier to do these tasks online think about the livelihood of local shop keepers and continue to use local postal services if you can.