Answer

The simple answer is 'yes'.  The Network Change Programme (as the current closure programme is known - this incorporates replacements by outreach solutions, as well as straightforward closures) is covering urban and rural areas. 

It was initially believed that closures would be predominantly in rural areas, primarily because the most recent closure programme focussed on urban areas.  However, publication of Area Plans (11 have been puclished to date (27 Nov 2007) ) has shown that the rural and urban areas have been affected on an almost equal level. 

As an example, in Essex 12 of the 31 proposed closures are in rural/semi-rural areas, excluding market towns.  Although the definition of 'market town' can vary, I would classify 7 of these proposed closures to be in market towns.  The remaining 12 are in urban settlements. 

 A list of the area plans published so far can be found at:  http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=57600693&mediaId=57600697  This page will tell you when your local Area Plan is due to be published, and will also allow you to view other Area Plans in your locality, which may give you a more localised idea of how many market towns are affected. 

The closure criteria are varied and include:

• footfall/usage
• economic viability
• access criteria set by the government

The Network Change Programme is due to run until December 2008.  Post Office Limited has assured all concerned that no closures will be implemented before January 2008, although some final decisions will be made and published before this time.