Sir, Rural post offices are an essential lifeline for many older people in Oxfordshire, yet their future is at risk unless the Government acts quickly.

The Government will decide whether to extend its current subsidy of rural post offices this autumn. If it decides not to, thousands of post offices across the country could face closure, leaving large numbers of older people struggling to manage.

Rural post offices provide much more than just a postal service to many older people. They also offer important services including access to cash, benefits and information, as well as somewhere to meet and socialise with other people. Closures must be prevented to protect vulnerable older people from becoming more isolated from their local community.

As the heaviest users of post offices, older people must have their say in what happens to them. That's why we are launching our Stamped out?' campaign, to encourage people to get involved in the debate and support their local post office. Visit www.ace.org.uk/stamped_out.asp or contact Age Concern Oxfordshire for more details.

Mary Daniel, Chief Executive, Age Concern Oxfordshire