NOW that the dust is settling on the scandalous post office closures it is time to reflect on the position of local MPs as their behaviour in this matter poses some ethical issues.

How can it be possible to trust anyone who agrees to support you in a positive manner and then does entirely the opposite?

MPs should be trusted to act on the best behalf of constituents. How can they begin to defend an action that can only be described as betrayal?

It is a sad fact, however, that once back at Westminster, and out of touch with reality again, they would rather toe the line than risk rocking the boat and becoming an unpopular party member who could become deselected at the next General Election.

The old adage that an MP looks only to the next election while a statesman looks to the next generation is still true.

Everyone should remember these MPs' actions when it comes to reelection time, especially in the bad weather when they are having to get buses or taxis to do what they were once able to do at a nearby post office.

Bob Howe, Spennymoor, Co Durham.