THE Forest is networked with excellent sub post offices. Many diversified years ago into post office and stores.

They are a vital hub for the community, especially for the elderly, disabled.  People can pay their utility bills, council tax, phone, broadband, insurance, send parcels, buy stamps, collect their pensions and buy groceries at the same time and have a chat.

People who do not drive and rely on buses are going to be hardest hit if sub post offices are cut. People like a disabled pensioner I know in Newnham. She uses a walker and relies on paying all her bills and drawing cash at Newnham Post Office.

If it closes she'll have to get the 23 bus to the nearest Post Office in Lydney or Gloucester – many miles and a long walk.

The nearest post office by car is in the Co-op in Cinderford. To get there by bus involves getting 2 buses there and back and takes half a day. 

The Post Office bosses are not giving the everyday person any consideration or listening to their needs.

Bus services have been relentlessly cut over the last few years. Some smaller hamlets have no service or one service a week.

If you need to book a Dial-a-Ride volunteer community driver it's around 50p per mile and annual membership of £5 per year and minimum spend of £4. If you want to book a commercial cab from Newnham to Lydney it's around £24 return or to Cinderford return around £14.

That's a lot of money to draw out of a meagre pension. It's too far to travel to a bank. It's like an extra tax!

Lobby your chosen party representative now.

– Sue Dubois, Newnham.