SMALL companies in Huntingdonshire want the Post Office to consider opening offices part-time, rather than closing them completely. With 2,500 offices across the country threatened with the axe in a cost-saving exercise by the nationalised carrier, the Fe

SMALL companies in Huntingdonshire want the Post Office to consider opening offices part-time, rather than closing them completely.

With 2,500 offices across the country threatened with the axe in a cost-saving exercise by the nationalised carrier, the Federation of Small Businesses believes the part-time option could deliver some of the required £100million savings.

FSB research has revealed that nearly half of small businesses use the post office more than once a week, so widespread closures could have a devastating impact. The FSB believes that part-time offices, opening two or three days per week, would cushion the blow.

FSB Huntingdonshire Chairman Malcolm Lyons said: "The FSB realises that we must be realistic about the future of post offices, but it is important to ensure the closures are handled carefully to minimise the impact on small businesses.

"Our members tell us a good way to alleviate the impact of the closures would be to have part-time post offices that open on certain days of the week. This would save money as well as maintaining essential services for small businesses and rural communities.