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RURAL businesses are set to be among those hardest hit by the forthcoming postal strike, a leading business association has claimed.

Many rural businesses rely on Royal Mail and
tourist operators will especially suffer, warned the Country Land and Business Association, with vital Christmas bookings most affected.

"At least half the deposits made to guests houses, B&Bs, small hotels and holiday cottage providers are made by cheque," said the association's tourism spokesman John Pugh.

"Then there are credit card payments which have to be processed."

A series of national postal strikes is expected to start from Thursday (October 22).

Mr Pugh said: “Undoubtedly a strike will create enormous difficulty for cash flow – and if it continues could see some go out of business.

“Christmas and New Year bookings represent very important income for tourism, bringing in funds in quieter times outside the main, summer holiday season."

Rural businesses that distribute goods such as foodstuffs and plants by mail order are also expected to suffer.

Slow broadband connections in many rural areas are likely to compound difficulties for businesses unable to use internet banking.