British posties fight for future

LONDON - Thousands of subpostmasters were expected to protest in Westminster overnight to demand the Government safeguard the future of Britain's network of 14,500 local post offices.

Around 2500 local post offices have been shut in urban areas in recent years while the remaining network lost £111 million ($316.6 million) last year as government departments move to direct payment of benefits and bills. A petition containing four million names collected at post offices across the nation was to be delivered to 10 Downing Street.

It calls for the reversal of the planned withdrawal in 2010 of the Post Office Card Account, used by millions to access their benefits.

Postal watchdog Postcomm says only 1500 of the 8000 rural post offices make money.

- REUTERS