MP Richard Spring is urging members of the public to join the fight to save eight post offices earmarked for closure in his west Suffolk constituency.
Chalkstone, in Haverhill, and Cowlinge post offices are included in the group Post Office Ltd plans to shut as part of an overhaul of its services.
With a six-week public consultation period now under way Mr Spring wants people to make their objec
tions to the proposals known.
He said: "I am bitterly disappointed that eight post offices in my constituency have been proposed for closure.
"I have spoken to and received many letters and e-mails from lots of local people who totally rely on these post offices.
"The closure of the eight branches would cause a real hardship to local residents and businesses and will have a devastating impact on elderly people and those who have difficulty travelling to other areas.
"We should be able to look at how profitable these post offices really are and compare them to those that have been allowed to remain open. Yet we are not being allowed to do this.
"We now have six weeks to save our post offices.
"I am encouraging my constituents to write to the Post Office as part of the public consultation outlining their specific concerns."
The Countryside Alliance is also urging communities affected by the closures to contact the Post Office and prime minister Gordon Brown and make their feelings known
Alice Barnard, Countryside Alliance eastern regional director, said: "Post offices are the social heart of many communities and without them many thousands of people, including many elderly and disabled, would be increasingly isolated."
Written comments on the proposed closures should be sent to National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, Freepost Consultation Team (no stamp required), or e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk.
steve.barton@haverhillecho.com
