Chief Minister Allan Bell says the way the Post Office communicated branch closures to the public was 'appalling'.

Mr Bell said he had had 'strong words' with the management over this week's announcement that the main branches in Regent Street, Douglas, and Parliament Street, Ramsey would close, with sub-post offices instead being operated from nearby Spar shops.

Mr Bell said: 'We have a much loved facility in Ramsey and in Douglas. It's only right the public have it fully explained what the implications are.'

Watch the full interview with the Chief Minister later on MTTV.

Meanwhile, Mr Bell said the ?2million annual payment to the government from the Post Office could be re-examined in the light of its plummeting profits. He said the agreement between the Post Office and the Treasury might have to be revised.

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