AN MP has slammed Post Office Ltd after it decided to axe one of its Haverhill branches.

West Suffolk MP Richard Spring called the consultation period 'a farcical exercise' after learning of the decision to close Chalkstone Post Office, Haverhill.

More than 1,600 people signed petitions at the Strasbourg Square-based post office and on the Echo's website protesting against Post Office's plans.

Mr Spring said: "This has been a farcical exercise from the beginning.

"It was clear they had no intention of making it a serious consultation exercise, but they had decided in advance what they were going to do."

He said: "They have taken it away without any recognition of the viability of the service or of the commitment of the postmaster.

"It is just a disgrace."

No staff will lose their jobs at the Londis store that houses Chalkstone Post Office.

Ravinder Rai, owner of the store, said: "I'm obviously disappointed but I just want to thank the Echo, Richard Spring, the council and Chalkstone Tenants and Residents Association (CATRA) for all their support, as well as everyone who signed the petition.

"It's a loss to the Chalkstone – another amenity gone out of the community.

"I just feel sorry for the old people. The lady who came in a minute ago is 102. She comes in every week to get her pension out.

"I can't see her walking down town and then back up the hill."

Laura Tarling, Post Office's network development manager for Norfolk and West Suffolk, said: "We believe the amended plan announced today offers our customers across Norfolk and West Suffolk the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future."

n COWLINGE Post Office has also fallen foul of the cull by postal chiefs and will now close.

Post mistress Pam Bowers, pictured left, would have reached her 30th anniversary of running the business in January.

Mrs Bowers said of the decision: "It's no surprise. Post offices are not what they were years ago.

"So many people use their banks for their pensions and whatever and local shops sell stamps so I'm not really surprised.

"Times have changed. I shall be sorry in one way but after 30 years I feel I've done my stint.

"It is a way of life and you just wonder what's next to go but people should remember to use post offices – they are not just for Christmas."