People in Devon urged to have their say on the future of the Post Office

The Government has launched a major public consultation on the future of the Post Office and people across Devon are being urged to make their voices heard.

Torrington County Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, who is Devon County Council’s cabinet member for rural affairs, said it was a vital opportunity for local people to help shape future services.

She has urged the public, businesses, community organisations and postmasters to share their views before the government’s deadline of October 6.

The consultation will look at how the Post Office can offer better services for people who still need face-to-face help and how to make sure every community has access to a local branch.

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It will consider the service potentially changing ownership so that postmasters have more control and improve how the Post Office is run, especially after problems such as the Horizon scandal.

The Government has promised £500million to support improvements and the survey will look at how the service can ‘stay financially strong’.

Cllr Cottle-Hunkin said: “I am disappointed that so many rural communities have lost access to a local Post Office and clearly the services in many Devon towns are under threat.

“I have read the Green Paper with interest and will be ensuring the council’s formal response to it highlights the vital importance the Post Office service holds for Devon’s rural communities.

“Devon is leading the way in developing innovative responses to the rural challenges we face.

“My colleague, Cllr Stuart Rogers, local member for Ashburton and Buckfastleigh and postmaster in Ashburton, has pioneered a mobile outreach Post Office for communities around the town.

“That service is providing an important social connection and support for people far beyond the Post Office service itself.

“Councillor Rogers is also working with Libraries Unlimited to provide books as part of his service.

“I encourage all Devon residents to share their views, and to help shape the future of the post office service in Devon.”

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To complete the survey online, people can visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/green-paper-future-of-post-office/green-paper-future-of-post-office