Early in 2007 it became clear that our two local post offices were at risk of closure.  The Village Green Teams therefore launched a campaign, collecting  the views of more than 500 local people.  With the support of our local MP Tim Yeo, a meeting was set up for three representatives from the villages to talk to Mr. Jim Fitzpatrick, the then Minister responsible for Post Office policy.  As well as the heartfelt comments of local people we provided him with examples of 6 government policies which would be over-ridden by post office closure.  We also provided an alternative plan for EXTENDING POST OFFICE SERVICES rather than destroying one of the few remaining facilities that rural communities rely on.

Copies of all three documents can be downloaded here:

1. Summary of Petitions sent to the Minister

2. Post Office Extra Functions.

3. Post Office follow up doc Mr. Fitzpatrick

Unhelpfully (for us)  the Minister, who had listened with interest,  was re-cycled to Roads a week later.  Nevertheless he agreed to put our views “on the record” and we were able to forward the same information to his successor, Mr. McFadden.

In addition to this effort, numerous local people took the time to write personally to Mr. Yeo,  to Post Office Ltd, to Suffolk CC and any other influential people they could think of.  The Campaign was well reported in local papers, CPRE newsletter and elsewhere.

This was a huge effort for a small group of volunteers to whom enormous thanks.  Was it worthwhile????  Well, the post offices at Stoke by Nayland and Polstead are still open while others have been felled.

What next??? WE can never be confident that the Post Office battle is won. On the contrary there are dire warnings of future closures.  So the message to all of us is USE YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE.   EVERY SINGLE TRANSACTION THAT YOU MAKE OVER THE P.O. COUNTER IS LOGGED AND IT ALL HELPS TO BUILD THE CASE TO KEEP THIS VITAL LOCAL SERVICE ALIVE.