Post office closures are a source of concern in rural areas

The Parish Centre at Waters Upton, which includes a post office, a village shop, a cash machine and a community office, is the first of its kind in England, according to the government.

The idea of the project is to bring public services to rural communities, instead of expecting people to travel to the nearest town or city.

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett declared the centre open on Monday morning.

I encourage villages and market towns across the country to emulate the success of Waters Upton Margaret Beckett

Mrs Beckett, who was accompanied by Peter Bradley, MP for the Wrekin, said a great deal of teamwork had gone into the scheme.

"This ground-breaking initiative is an excellent example of effective local partnership.

"The significance of this useful facility goes much wider than within this village.

"It is a real example of what can be achieved when local communities set their minds to it.

"I encourage villages and market towns across the country to emulate the success of Waters Upton," Mrs Beckett added.

The project, which is a partnership between Waters Upton Parish Council and Telford and Wrekin Council, was supported by �250,000 Countryside Agency grant.

The building itself is owned by the local community through the parish council.