LEIGH and Tyldesley Post Offices are going hi-tech.

The Silk Street and Johnson Street offices are among the first in the North West to have computer technology installed as part of a massive programme to automate all UK offices by the end of 2001.

A spokesman for Post Office Counters said: "When the automation project is completed the village post office will have the same modern technology as city centre offices.

"The technology will not only make existing services more efficient and secure, but also offers Post Office Counters a potential platform to provide new services.

"The automated network will also free up staff to concentrate on what they do best: serving customers."

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