We are worried about the vulnerability of these services, especially in smaller settlements

Pam Warhurst, Countryside Agency

In urban areas, nearly all households are within two kilometres of postal services.

The agency's Rural Services in 2000 report notes a significant improvement in bus timetables.

In 1997, public transport hit an all-time low, with only six out of 10 parishes receiving a six or seven day a week bus service.

The 2000 survey highlights an improvement, with 67% of parishes provided with a bus service.

There are also more community meeting places.

Throughout the 1990s, about 70% of parishes had a village hall or meeting place, but last year this had risen to 85% with help from lottery funding.

Rural white paper

Deputy Chair of the Countryside Agency, Pam Warhurst, said: "The challenge in providing quality rural services is a wide one.

"We are worried about the vulnerability of these services, especially in smaller settlements.

"The current pressures on the Post Office and doubts about the future of the Universal Bank could lead to further closures, despite the government's commitment to maintain the rural network.

Many rural post offices have closed

"We continue to look for new ways to deliver services in rural areas, in particular through our market towns and vital villages initiatives.

"But if the government is to meet its own commitment to rural service standards in its Rural White Paper, better public services for rural people and businesses will need additional investment."

The survey found more than seven out of 10 country settlements do not have a general store or village shop.

But 80% of rural households live within four kilometres of a supermarket.

Other findings from the report show: