Philip Dunne was today formally informed of the dates when the Government's public consultation on the restructuring of the local Post Office network will take place.Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, was today formally informed of the dates when the Government's public consultation on the restructuring of the local Post Office network will take place. Initial planning with local sub-postmasters for Shropshire and Staffordshire will be conducted in January 2008 and the public consultation will commence in March 2008.

Earlier this year, the Government confirmed closure of 2,500 post offices across the country. This was after a three month consultation raised so many objections that the Government was forced to delay its response for two months.

The Post Office will be required to maintain a network that ensures 95% of the total rural population across the UK to be within 3 miles of their nearest post office. Post Office Ltd will also take into account obstacles such as rivers, mountains and valleys and consider the availability of public transport and alternative access to key services, local demographics and the impact on local economies.

During the public consultation period, Post Office branches likely to be affected will display posters and leaflets so that all affected customers have the opportunity to provide input.

Local MPs and local authorities across Shropshire will be able to make representations to the Post Office about proposals for their area.

At the end of the consultation period a full review will take place of all the information gathered before a final decision is announced on which post offices will close and which areas will receive 'outreach' facilities. The changes will be implemented only after a minimum of four weeks.

Mr Dunne said today: "I am taking over from Owen Paterson MP as secretary of the cross party group on Post Offices, so I shall be well placed to argue to save as many post offices in the Ludlow constituency as possible."