Business minister, Pat McFadden, has signalled his support for councils to take over post offices under threat of closure. He told the National Federation of Subpostmasters on Monday (12) that the Government would continue to support plans to allow councils to fund post offices threatened with closure, if they produced a viable business plan. The Government has sanctioned the controversial closure of 2,500 post offices as part of a modernisation of the service. The move is opposed by many local councils and among them is Cumbria CC. Cabinet member for community development Cllr Gary Strong, said: ‘We will also be examining the feasibility of using council premises to deliver some of the key community services which are currently offered by a post office.' LGA chairman, Sir Simon Milton, also backed the campaign: ‘For many, the post office is the lifeblood of the high street, and the role they play in helping people who conduct their financial affairs in cash is vital.