The Scottish Executive yesterday warned that it had little power to halt post office closures across the country.

John Swinney, the cabinet secretary with responsibility for public service delivery, said ministers had "limited scope" under the current constitutional set-up for influencing the final decision.

Alistair Darling, Trade and Industry Secretary, announced last week the government would support closure of up to 2500 post offices across the UK. Mr Swinney said yesterday: "The Scottish government knows that post offices play a vital part in the life of our communities.

"Post offices can provide a social glue in rural areas and much-needed social support in deprived areas. The provision of postal services is, however, a reserved issue which lies within the province of the UK government under the current terms of the devolution settlement."

A six-week public consultation is taking place into the closure plans and Mr Swinney said it was vital those opposed to the proposals got involved.

He said: "I urge all MSPs and local authorities to take an active part in helping to shape the future network in their local areas."

A spokesman for Post Office Ltd last night said they had to abide by strict criteria on accessibility when drawing up the closure plans.