WHETHER it’s our local Post Offices, farm shops, town GPs or independent high street traders, Central Devon relies on a network of local services.

These hold local communities together and keep unnecessary travel to a minimum.

I am fortunate to represent an area with such distinct communities in towns and villages right across one of the largest constituencies in the country.

From Chawleigh in the North to Buckfastleigh in the South, from Okehampton in the West and Bradninch in the East I am always impressed with how our towns and parishes are fiercely proud of their traditions, shared spaces and sense of community.

With this in mind I regularly get out and about to meet with and listen to local businesses and voluntary organisations.

Over the last decade or so I have visited hundreds of hardworking and enthusiastic shop owners, entrepreneurs and dedicated volunteers who keep these vital enterprises going.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Shirley and Dean at the Lustleigh Post Office and village shop – a fantastic asset for the community.

There is an issue here in that Royal Mail has taken the regrettable decision to revoke the Post Office’s Evri Pick Up and Drop Off (‘PUDO’) status.

This is going to inconvenience many and so I have taken up the issue with the Post Office centrally.

I do not believe Royal Mail, or for that matter, many other public service providers always appreciate just how significantly these rural services matter.

In this case, the PUDO provides a vital service to those in the village who cannot drive, it brings essential footfall into the local shop, and it keeps many drivers out of our narrow country lanes.

These are all points I have made to Royal Mail who have said they are now working on solutions to mitigate the issues around their original decision.

Rural shops, healthcare, pubs and schools are, as one constituent wrote to me this week: “the glue which hold rural communities together. When they go, loneliness and isolation take their place.”

They aren’t wrong. So I will keep fighting to keep them to ensure that they are retained and strengthened. Stepping in which when they face problems and need support.

As the Government makes it harder and harder to run independent businesses, to hire new staff and invest in communities as a result of higher taxes and more employment red tape I am more determined than ever to continue to champion our rural economy.

Westminster must always recognise the benefits of supporting local and rural services – jobs, prosperity and the very heart of our communities depend on it.