It’s good news that the government has today announced £370 million to extend opening hours, cut queue times and protect rural branches of local post offices. Our local Post Office branches are at the heart of communities right across Thirsk and Malton. It’s really important that we protect local branches so that everyone has access to a post office. It can be a lifeline for many people in rural areas. Customers and small businesses rely on their local branch every day to access a wide range of services. With this funding we are ensuring that our post offices are fit for the future. The funding brings the total invested in the Post Office network since 2010 to £2 billion, and will secure the future of the network for the first time in decades. This will come as a huge relief to many people, particularly the elderly and people with mobility issues.