Customers still use the post office when their usual branch closes but their visits are less frequent, a study has discovered.

Figures found 94 per cent of customers still used a post office after their usual one closed but 50 per cent made less frequent visits.

The survey for watchdogs Postwatch showed 82 per cent of customers found staff's helpfulness was good in the branch they now used, while 71 per cent of customers rated the appearance of the post office as good.

But 50 per cent rated parking facilities as poor, while 35 per cent considered facilities for disabled customers to be poor.

Peter Carr, chairman of Postwatch, said: "Whilst 94 per cent of customers continue to use a post office after their usual office had closed, they do so less frequently.

"A third also make fewer transactions at each visit. Post offices, despite the closure programme, remain at the heart of many communities.

"The Government has made £30 million available to help create a network of bigger, brighter and better post offices.

"If spent wisely this money will help post offices attract new customers and retain the loyalty of existing ones. This should now become a priority."

Wednesday February 18, 2004