NEWTON?Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris has defended local post offices in a Westminster Hall debate on the implications privatisation of Royal Mail may have on the network.

Welcoming the Postal Services Bill, she said it sought to safeguard universal delivery while addressing some of the financial difficulties facing Royal Mail.

She said too many offices had been forced to close, leaving people dependent on the services provided by post offices having to travel further afield.

'The impact of local post office closures is particularly felt by the elderly and those who reside in our rural communities, where transportation matters can make going to the next nearest post office difficult,' said Ms Morris.

'I personally believe that we can utilise our post offices even more by considering what additional services they could provide to the community.

'I believe this would be particularly welcome in our more rural locations and for the 47 per cent of small businesses who use the post office at least twice a week.'

Ms Morris said she would continue to push the point in Parliament about the traditional red box and the royal monogramm which were icons the country should preserve.