Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said this week he is seeking the views of his constituents relating to the future of the Post Office and tied pubs – both issues under consideration by the Business and Enterprise Committee in the House of Commons.

"These are issues that affect almost every single resident in Ribble Valley and beyond," he added.

Speaking from Westminster, he said: "British pubs are now closing at the rate of six a day. As vice-chairman of the All-Party Beer Group, I'm concerned at some of the restrictive practices faced by pubs – including the tie of the pub to the large pub companies, which restricts the choice of beers, and means higher prices to the tenant and to customers.

"Rural pubs are often the focal points of their local communities and they are being hit especially hard. The Government must act now to stop more pubs going under. This issue is under active consideration by the Business and Enterprise Committee and I would urge people to contact me if they have strong views on the issue.

"Second, I'm today asking Ribble Valley residents to make their voices heard on the future of Post Offices. The House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee is conducting an inquiry into the future of Post Offices. The committee has set up an online forum to listen to the views of individuals and businesses who use them. The forum will run until March 10th, 2009, so please act soon.

"Please visit the forum, register, and share your views at: http://forums.parliament.uk/post-office-future/

"Alternatively, you can write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, or e-mail me at evansn@parliament.uk and I will pass your correspondence on to the committee.

"Many Post Offices have closed, or seen their hours reduced. The threat of closure still hangs over many Post Offices. We've felt the effect in Ribble Valley and seen the same happen across the country. The committee is looking at the future of the Post Office as a whole, and it's important we make our voices heard in Ribble Valley".