LIBRARIES, church halls or jobcentres could host postal services under a trial announced by the Post Office today.Around 2,500 post offices are to close, sparking widespread concern in towns around the country.

LIBRARIES, church halls or jobcentres could host postal services under a trial announced by the Post Office today.

Around 2,500 post offices are to close, sparking widespread concern in towns around the country.

But now it has emerged that the company is keen to develop links with local businesses and communities in urban areas.

The Post Office has already opened 100 so-called "Outreach" outlets in rural communities which offer postal services for reduced or flexible hours, sometimes in a mobile office which travels around villages, and has another 130 in the pipeline.

The Post Office said today that based on the "encouraging' early experience in rural areas, it had decided to extend the trials into towns and cities.

Around 500 outreach branches are planned, but if the trials - which will last throughout this year - are successful, this number could be increased significantly.