I'm surprised by the assessment of the future of the Post Office, whilst the internet will reduce letter volumes and government related transactions, it also presents a huge opportunity if it can capitalise on the growing volumes of parcel post resulting from internet shopping.

Having the option of getting parcels delivered to a convenient local pick-up point so they could be collected before or after work, not having to be at home to receive them or having to travel to a remote industrial estate would be great.

To some extent as a service, it is also part self-funded, in that the cost of handling fees paid to the post office/collection point are offset by savings to the courier by dropping multiple parcels at a single point, saving of time and fuel.

That said, the Post Office would need to work on their customer service, closing at 17:00 isn't exactly convenient for most people who work full time.