A survey of SubPostmasters in the UK has highlighted their importance to the communities they serve. The report which was compiled by the National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) showed that 94% of those asked believed that they provided a focal point for their local community.
Furthermore, 85% said that they checked on the wellbeing of their vulnerable customers, and 90% said that they prevented vulnerable people in their community from feeling isolated. The report also showed that SubPostmasters provided local access to a range of services that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The service that the Post Office provides in areas of Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire is absolutely vital, and one that many communities simply could not do without. In rural areas we rely heavily on Post Offices, and especially SubPostmasters who help to limit the distance that many residents have to travel to access their services.
“This survey goes to show just how important these sub post offices are to their communities. Not only do many of them provide a focal point for their local town or village, they also provide the only means of access to a range of facilities.
“Whether it’s being able to withdraw cash, or access your pension, SubPostmasters can be a great help to the areas they serve. In addition to the role they play in looking out for more vulnerable customers, there can be no doubt that we need to everything we can to support them.”
“We cannot afford to see these post offices stop operating and I would encourage every resident in my region to support them as much as possible.”