MP requests probe into post office

A minister of state has been asked to intervene in the future of a Cheddar Valley post office.

Wells MP David Heathcoat-Amory has asked post office minister Pat McFadden to investigate false accountancy allegations against post offices in his constituency.

The MP highlighted the Chapel Allerton post office closure late last year by mail bosses due to unexplained "technical" problems.

The post office's shop element has now also closed.

Suspended sub-postmistress Rachel Williams is still awaiting the result of her appeal, lodged in November.

But despite the Post Office's promise she would hear within 10 days of making the appeal, she has still heard nothing.

Mr Heathcoat-Amory expressed concern over the knock-on effect of these internal disputes.

"This has led to the closure of at least two post offices even though the matters under dispute have not been settled," he said.

"I have corresponded with the Post Office, who assure me their accounting system is sound, but I cannot understand why these matters are only surfacing now."