BUSINESS bank accounts will be offered at post offices under plans to shore up the struggling network in the wake of a nationwide closure programme that culled several Swindon branches.

Peter Mandelson, the Business Secretary, wants to bolster the financial services offered at counters by introducing a raft of products including company banking services, savings accounts for children and general current accounts.

A weekly budgeting account is also among proposals he unveiled yesterday that will now go out to consultation.

It follows calls from Labour backbenchers, as well as opposition MPs, for the Government to take action to secure the network's future after 2,500 branches, including 36 in Wiltshire and West Berkshire, were earmarked for closure last year.

Swindon lost a number of post offices, including branches in Westcott Place, Lydiard Millicent, the Lawns and Cheney Manor.

Lord Mandelson said: “At a time when some banks and financial services companies are seeking to reduce face-to-face contact with customers, the Post Office stands out.

“It offers a trusted brand, and has more branches than the high street banks combined. It is ideally placed to bring banking services back to the heart of people's communities.”