PRESS DIGEST - British Business press - Feb 20 =8

Royal Mail has been slammed after announcing plans, which form part of a national programme to reduce by 2,500 its 14,000-strong network, to axe 169 London post offices. The group said that the proposals, subject to a six-week consultation, represent the best hope of a sustainable future and the provision of essential services, though critics want to see the consultation period extended, claiming that Royal Mail should provide additional investment as opposed to less, while predicting longer queues.

Prepared for Reuters by Durrants