Leaving the post office network to ’wither’ would be a serious setback for the island’s public services.

That’s the view of a Tynwald scrutiny committee, which has investigated the future of the Post Office.

It describes the Post Office as a national asset that deserves to be treasured.

Meanwhile, the National Federation of Subpostmasters says it is very concerned about the Post Office board’s ’negative’ strategic report.

The economic policy review committee report, which goes to Tynwald next week, concludes: ’The Post Office is not in a position to develop enhanced public services on its own.

’Left to do so it would, over time, slip further into crisis.

’If the Post Office services and a network of sub post offices are left to wither their loss could never be replaced, resulting in a serious setback for enhanced public services in the community.’

The report says there is an urgent need to ’re-purpose’ the Post Office with a ’new and clear vision’.

It adds: ’The Isle of Man Post Office is a national asset which deserves to be treasured by Tynwald and by everyone in the island.

’It combines a capable logistics organisation with a highly trusted brand, wide geographic spread and a loyal employed workforce.

’In the network of sub postmasters it has a team of dedicated private sector partners with close links to local communities. Together these capabilities add significant value to the life of the island.’

Calum Greenhow, chief executive officer of the National Federation of SubPostmasters, said: ’The NFSP is very concerned about this negative report that shows an acceptance by the Isle of Man Post Office to decline.’

He said the report proposes a plan that simply manages the decline but will be at the ’direct expense of subpostmasters in the island’.

Mr Grenhow said: ’It takes no responsibility for the impact on the present network and our colleagues’ ability to provide services of social and financial inclusion to the communities they serve.

’We welcomed the opportunity to attend and speak with the economic review committee and thank the chair and the committee for hearing our concerns.’

He added: ’It is our desire to continue this dialogue to explore ways that ensure a viable network in the future, which the report from the Post Office fails to do.

’Given the importance of the network to the community, we find it disappointing the Post Office have indicated that they have no intention of meeting with representatives of the network to discuss a way forward.’

Post Office chairman Julie Edge said: ’We recognise that the retail network is a unique social asset.

’However, all evidence supports that it is no longer financially sustainable or appropriate to maintain it in its current form.’