I WONDER if the Post Office mandarins have ever heard the maxim: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"?

Sub-post offices have been the hub of their local communities for many generations, often giving advice and assistance beyond their official commitment and providing a few moments of friendly, cheerful company to those living alone. They have been, and some still are, a unique part of British tradition, offering a successful form of public service. So why change what works so well?

Last week, my local sub-post office had a queue stretching yards along the pavement. Prestwich main post office had a queue back to the door, a situation mirrored at Bury's main post office.

Some old and handicapped people, not on a bus route, may have to walk almost a mile, only to have to then wait outside their sub-post office with nowhere to sit, in what will become increasingly severe winter conditions.

Rising postage costs, reduced delivery times and uncomfortable visits to offices, can't be called "improved public service", or is "public service" something else which the Post Office mandarins haven't heard of?

CEEAITCH, Prestwich.