Yet again our local post offices are at risk as Post Office Limited once again cuts sub-postmasters’ pay – despite announcing record profits of £62 million and paying out £10 million in bonuses to its staff.

Virtually all of the sub-post offices in Dorset are run by self employed small business people.

They are paid by Post Office Ltd a small basic topped up with a payment for each transaction they make.

Both payments have been cut again this year.

This reduction in pay for sub-postmasters is at the expense of meeting profit targets and bonuses for senior managers.

It will lead to some sub-postmasters throwing in the towel and closing down as they face ever increasing costs and reducing income.

This is an post office closure programme by stealth – on top of the recent official closure programme.

As the general election approaches may we ask your readers to please quiz your local parliamentary candidates about their plans to support sub-postmasters and provide a viable local post office in your area.

Jon Follenfant, branch secretary, National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, Bournemouth Branch