CLOSING post offices in Worcestershire and Herefordshire could harm the farming industry, the National Farmers’ Union has warned.

The NFU said farmers and growers needed rural post offices for the general day-to-day running of their businesses.

NFU regional director David Collier said: “Post offices are part of the fabric of small rural communities and provide important services as well as acting as a social hub.

“Although e-mail is becoming more popular there is often no broadband in rural areas and many of our members rely on the post office for all recorded deliveries and other services.

“They need the service for the general day-to-day running of their businesses and to get in touch with organisations like Defra and the rural payments agency.”

Mr Collier said post offices were valued by seasonal workers and other businesses connected with agriculture and pointed out that rising fuel costs would make it difficult for people to travel further.

Worcestershire NFU chairman Bill Beckett, who farms at Belbroughton, said: “Our post office is well used but it is a shame to hear that others in the county could be closed.

“They act as a real community contact point for young and old alike and we don’t want to see more services cut back.”

NFU Herefordshire chairman David Morgan, who farms at Peterchurch, echoed Mr Beckett’s comments.

The NFU is now calling for as many people as possible to write letters of support to keep their local post office open.