Dozens of post offices across Scotland are to be closed or downgraded it has emerged.

The Post Office has started a six-week consultation on shutting 26 branches and downgrading a further 32 offices across Edinburgh, the Lothians and South of Scotland.

The company has, however, moved to calm fears over the news, by insisting that almost all the area's population would see no change to their nearest branch, or would remain within one mile of an office.

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The Post Office also say they will consider views on new outreach services and branch accessibility.

Those options include mobile facilities, "hosted" restricted hours services, home delivery and partner operations running services in premises such as shops.

Sally Buchanan, the Post Office's network development manager for Scotland, said the proposals were the best for services across the area while still meeting government criteria.

"Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers," she said.

"We want to ensure everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes, and able to give views on them."

(NS/JM)