Post office fears for small firms

POST office closures in Scotland will have a serious effect on small businesses, the Forum of Private Business has warned.

In Edinburgh and the Lothians, up to 20 local post offices could be included in a draft list of closures set to be published next month.

The FPB has said it is concerned that the "National Access Criteria" (NAC) being used by the Post Office to select the branches for closure could be failing local businesses and communities, as it does not address the specific requirements of individual communities across the UK.

It is seeking assurances that small firms will be given proper support.

Phil Orford, the FPB's chief executive, said: "It is important that, as alternatives to traditional post offices are sought, the key services enjoyed by small firms are not diminished."