Residents to fight post closures

A council is enlisting the help of local people in a bid to cushion the impact felt by nearly a third of its post offices closing.

Suffolk Coastal Council wants residents to protest against closure of 15 of 49 post offices or suggest alternatives.

However, residents only have six weeks to make their voices heard.

Many branches under threat are in the district's villages and the Post Office is trying to reduce the blow by using mobile units or part-time locations.

I fear the stark reality is that the financial position facing the Post Office...means that any attempts to halt closures are doomed to failure Mary Neale

"I understand the angry reaction these proposals will probably provoke across our district, with nearly a third of our local post offices now under threat," said Mary Neale, responsible for rural issues and community development on the council.

"What I hope that people will do now is to come up with their own alternative suggestions to stave off the impact of closure and put these forward to the Post Office as I suspect these are more likely to be positively listened to.

"Officially, local communities have six weeks to give their views on the proposals.

"I fear the stark reality is that the financial position facing the Post Office, and the government already approving these plans, means that any attempts to halt closures are doomed to failure," she added.

Branches at Aldeburgh, Bramfield, Crettingham, Dennington, Great Bealings, Hacheston, Knodishall, Martlesham BT, and Hasketon Road, Woodbridge are earmarked for closure from 1 January 2008.

Branches will also close at Nacton, Sutton, Ufford, Walberswick, Waldringfield and Witnesham but a mobile post office would visit every week or services might be offered at a shop or community centre for a few hours.