A HEARTFELT proposal submitted by West Devon Borough Council seeking a wider role for local Post Offices is one of only ten nationally to be accepted by the Government to be taken forward.

The proposal, submitted under the Sustainable Communities Act last year, has been chosen because it offers 'the best potential to bring real benefits to the community', says Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham.

The suggestion was for a wider role for local Post Offices including provision of banking and financial services.

Cllr James McInnes, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'We are delighted that a wider role for Post Offices has been recognised. We will do all we can to take this initiative forward.'

The aim of the Sustainable Communities Act is to promote the sustainability of local communities, and it allows councils and community groups to make proposals for new powers.

Some 300 ideas were first considered by a Local Government Association selection panel, who chose a shortlist to put forward to Government.