A Suffolk MP has continued his pledge to protect a ‘vital’ rural post office as cuts could come as early as next month.
Last month, subpostmaster Richard Haining, who manages the post office in Swan Street, Boxford, revealed its parent company would halve the office’s exceptional subsidy in January, from £2,700 to £1,350 per month.
On top of this, the hours would also be reduced from 50 to 30, which Mr Haining described as ‘not feasible’.
At the time, South Suffolk MP, James Cartlidge, called for more clarity on the future of the store, promising to write to the company and the Government.
Addressing this, the Post Office stated it regularly reviewed provision across the network to ensure the service was stable with limited resources and would not make any changes until a strategic review was completed later in the autumn.
Yesterday, Mr Cartlidge shared a letter from the minister responsible for postal affairs, Gareth Thomas MP, who reiterated the company’s response.
He added: “The Government recognizes how critical these issues are for postmasters and the future of the network and will continue an open dialogue with the Post Office.”
With November right around the corner, Mr Cartlidge pledged to continue to campaign for the protection of these ‘vital services’ but warned the ‘damaging moves’ could take place as early as next month.
Published by Suffolk News.
