Historically, post offices existed where postmasters thought they could make money. This is not a rational way of organising a public service.

Similarly, no service which has lost half its customers in just ten years can continue without change. Despite a £150 million injection of public money into it every year it still makes a loss. This is why the Post Office, a commercially run company owned by the government, is rationalising its network.

For the first time, post offices must be provided so that 99 per cent of us live within three miles of one and 90 per cent within one mile.

This includes 95 per cent of urban residents living within one mile and 95% or rural residents within three miles.

The impact of the 'Network Change Programme' on High Peak has been announced. Five post offices have been nominated for closure, one fewer than we might have expected. All postmasters affected will be compensated; their organisation agrees that the present situation is unsustainable.

24 post offices in Glossopdale, Buxton, New Mills and Whaley Bridge are not being hit by the proposals. That is a relief. But in Tintwistle, Birch Vale, Chapel (Town End), Peak Forest and Dove Holes the disappointment will be great.

All these branches have few customers and are near other post offices. You can make your views known until 21 July. I want this consultation to be meaningful. Write to: 'Network Development Manager, The Post Office, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM'.

The Government wants the uncertainty at the heart of the post office service to end. We will maintain the massive subsidy of the network because we want this to work. No other party is promising that level of taxpayer subsidy. Without it, we would be losing a lot more of our post offices than it looks like we might lose today.