BUSINESSES are pleading for a better postal service.

Late delivery, earlier final collection times and unsorted mail being delivered to multi-occupancy buildings were just some of the concerns raised during an annual business briefing by the South Eastern Society of Chartered Accountants (SESCA).

MPs were given examples of delivery times ranging inconsistently from 7.30am to 1.30pm and were told that cuts in staffing levels appeared to have little cover for absences.

The closure of sub post offices with the sale of some High Street premises was also raised as a concern.

SESCA members called on MPs to encourage the Post Office to ensure new outlets were opened in out-of-town shopping centres, supermarkets, business parks and industrial centres.