Government plans to shake up the benefits system would deliver a fatal blow to many post offices. The only way to save them is to fight back. That is why we launched our Counter Attack today.

Ministers want to pay pensions, child allowance and the like directly into recipients' bank accounts. That certainly sounds more efficient than handing the cash out to them personally, via their local post office.

But improved efficiency is not a good enough reason to do away with countless small businesses and the way of life they support.

For some small post offices, benefits payments make up 40 per cent of their trade. Remove that and they are simply not viable. Post offices are struggling as it is.

John Greenway MP revealed today that six have closed in his Ryedale constituency since the last election.

Every neighbourhood that loses its branch is the poorer for it.

With local pubs and grocers closing at an alarming rate, the post office is becoming an ever-more crucial focal point for communities, both rural and urban.

For some pensioners who live alone the regular visit to collect their money is a vital opportunity for social contact. At the same time post office staff can keep a watchful eye on the most vulnerable members of their community. If they go, who is going to do it?

Many post offices also double as the local shop. Without them residents are forced to take a trip to an out-of-town supermarket. Not always an easy task if you are reliant on public transport.

These points have already been put forcefully to ministers. They have responded by making positive noises about subsidising sub-post offices.

But the pressure needs to be kept up. You can help by filling out and sending off our Counter Attack coupons.

We must convince the Government of the need to safeguard these businesses.

If we fail, the last post will sound for a British way of life.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.