A CUDDINGTON subpostmaster has written to the Shadow Minister for Health voicing his concerns over the threat to sub post offices.

Robert Dickinson told Eddisbury MP Stephen O'Brien he has already seen neighbouring villages in Whitegate, Norley, Acton Bridge and Crowton lose their post offices.

Mr Dickinson said: "I am confident that those making these decisions have no idea of the destruction to communities - especially rural - that their plans are causing.

"When one business closes, others inevitably begin to falter as customers are diverted elsewhere.

"The independence of countless people currently able to care for themselves with local amenities is eroded - in particular the infirm, elderly, financially disadvantaged or those without carers."

Mr O'Brien, who visited Mr Dickinson on Thursday, has warned up to 23 post offices in the Eddisbury constituency could be faced with the threat of closure.

He raised his concerns about the new threat to the post office network following the comments of Adam Crozier, chief executive of Royal Mail, who said 'the system could operate with a quarter of the current branches'.

This would mean Eddisbury possibly losing up to 23 post office branches.

Mr O'Brien said: "Post offices in Eddisbury and across Cheshire are now facing a twin threat - the first is the Government's plans to scrap the Post Office Card Account which will lead to a massive loss in revenue for small rural and urban branches.

"Coupled with Adam Crozier's comments, it is clear that this Government does not understand the great importance of post offices to community life in rural towns and villages, or the ability of vulnerable groups such as pensioners and the disabled to access vital services."

He told Mr Dickinson: "I am very aware of your strength of feeing on this issue and I will continue to hold the Government to account."