Villagers launch fight to save post office in Brantham

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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VILLAGERS are being called on to lobby against the closure of a post office.

The Co-op store in Brantham has a post office integrated into its counter service. But this is set to close in November.

Brantham Parish Council is set to appeal against the closure and has called on residents to join their Save the Brantham Post Office fight.

Babergh councillor Alastair McCraw, said: “The Post Office said it is the Co-op that has resigned and they are looking for a new post master. But there is nowhere else to do it.


“Sample letters have been drawn up for people to lobby the Co-op against the closure.

“The parish council has also contacted the MP.”

Residents have hit out at the closure on Facebook. Hilary Fryett said: “It is absolutely ludicrous, there are lots of elderly people who rely on the post office to get their pension, and pay their utility bills. Also, many can’t drive to go elsewhere such as Manningtree or East Bergholt.

“The Co-op will lose a lot of customers too as when they collect their pension, they shop there also.

“I think if there was a petition for people to sign it would be full up in no time.”

A spokesman for the East of England Co-op said: “I can confirm that on Wednesday 15 November 15 the Post Office within our Brantham food store will close. This does not affect the food store, which will remain open.

“Due to the increased use of online postal services, nationally the use of Post Office counter services is declining.

“This national trend is also reflected in some of our local Post Office services, unfortunately making the continued operation of our Brantham Post Office unsustainable.”

[Lounge Lizard]

"there are lots of elderly people who rely on the post office to get their pension" - but I thought nearly all elderly people get their pension paid into their bank accounts.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

"there are lots of elderly people who rely on the post office to get their pension" - but I thought nearly all elderly people get their pension paid into their bank accounts.

But because they are closing the local bank branches they have to go to the PO to withdraw it.

(I know this from experience of a weekly trip with my Mother to get hers).