Investigating the validity of rural-urban distinctions in the impacts of changing service provision: The example of postal service reconfiguration in Wales

► Changes in service provision can form a major component of social exclusion. ► The loss of post office branches can be particularly problematic for the elderly. ► GIS-based network models can be used to examine variations in access. ► Study compares loss of post offices in relation to social characteristics in Wales. ► Results suggest areas with highest proportion of elderly relatively well shielded.