FIVE villages on Exmoor which are due to lose their Post Office services in five weeks’ time should have them restored as soon as possible, said West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

Mr Liddell-Grainger wants urgent action by Post Office officials to make sure the withdrawal of services was as short-lived as possible.

The current outreach facilities provided by Dulverton’s postmaster are due to stop on October 1, leaving villagers in Brompton Regis, Oakford, West Anstey, Rackenford, and Hawkridge with no access to counter services at all.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said: “Losing the basic amenity of a Post Office counter operating even a few hours a week is going to be a devastating blow, particularly for the elderly and less mobile residents of these villages.

“I am afraid rural areas continue to suffer disproportionately harshly when agencies such as banks and the Post Office decide economies are necessary.

“I was glad to hear the Government laying down the law to banks last week to ensure that nobody in rural areas should have to travel more than three miles to withdraw cash or make deposits.

“I shall be looking to the Post Office to sort out the situation in Dulverton and the satellite villages with no delay whatsoever.

“And I shall be asking for regular updates on its progress.”