Plea for new Post Offices after sudden closures

Concerns have been raised about the future of Post Office provision in Halesworth and Leiston following the closure of the towns' Coopers stores

The Post Office is being called on to replace two branches that were forced to shut suddenly after a long-running retail business closed.

Post Office (PO) sites inside Coopers stores in Leiston and Halesworth fell victim to closures when the hardware firm ceased trading last week, sparking concerns the towns could be left without outlets in the long term.

East Suffolk Council has written to the Post Office's area change manager, Wendy Hamilton, urging her to address the issue by opening new branches.

The PO said it would need to "review Post Office service provision in the area".

The letter, written by Green council leader Caroline Topping and Green councillor Sarah Whitelock, cabinet member for communities and leisure, said: "The closures will significantly impact access to vital services and increase social isolation.

"Can I ask that you prioritise the search for potential alternative sites within both towns to ensure our communities are not further disadvantaged?

"We would be happy to help identify alternative locations, please do get back to me if there is anything I can do to assist with any steps in this process."

Caroline Topping, leader of East Suffolk Council, has co-penned a letter to the Post Office calling on it to open new branches in Leiston and Halesworth

Elsewhere the letter said the closures would counter "the significant investment" being invested to "revitalise" the area.

"Post Offices are a vital service for the communities these towns serve, which are largely rural in nature," they added.

"They provide not only facilities for postal needs but also for banking, bill payments, and a social lifeline for many residents, particularly older and less mobile people."

What Post Office provision is available?

The Post Office previously said it was "very sad to hear" of Coopers' closure and it would explore options regarding whether new branches in Leiston and Halesworth could be opened.

"In the interim Leiston has a recently opened Banking Hub that can do bill payments, personal and business banking services," a spokesperson added.

"The nearest alternative branches that provide a full Post Office service are at Aldeburgh and Saxmundham. For Halesworth the nearest alternative Post Office branch is at Peasenhall."

The Post Office has been contacted for further comment.