Plan for 'lite' post offices to quell anger over closures

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Under a scheme being rushed out to meet growing public anger at the closure of 2,500 branches, special terminals would be opened in High Street shops, including newsagents.

They will provide politically sensitive services, such as paying out pensions, weighing parcels and enabling welfare claimants to cash a giro.

About 250 will be created on a trial basis, with the scheme expanding nationwide if successful. They are specifically intended for cities, unlike measures promised for rural areas, which include mobile services and parttime counters in pubs or village halls.

Anger among Labour MPs about branch closures has grown in recent weeks. There were hostile complaints to Gordon Brown when he addressed backbenchers in private last week.

The Post Office has now agreed to give MPs face-to-face briefings on local changes at least 10 days before a public consultation.

It will pay the start-up costs of the "lite" counters - to be called Post Office Local - and give free training to a staff member in each outlet.

Managing director Alan Cook said: "We are committed to a sustainable network, so we have to continue to look at innovative ways to run our outlets."