A SOMERSET MP has criticised proposals that would allow the Royal Mail to significantly cut deliveries of second-class post.

Rachel Gilmour (Lib Dem, Tiverton and Minehead) also claims scrapping Saturday deliveries and delivering on alternate days during the week would be a “slap in the face” for local residents.

Mrs Gilmour said: “This is a slap in the face for all those who rely on the post. Many residents in Somerset will be disappointed about the prospect of cuts to postal services, after facing years of ever rising costs due to mismanagement by Royal Mail executives.

“Many small businesses in my constituency will also be dismayed by this news. They have already had to endure a crippling National Insurance hike and this would add even more pressure on them.”