After exclusively revealing the "body blow" news that 17 sub-post offices in our area face possible closure we can now confirm the full scale of the shocking plans which could mark the death-knell for our rural communities.

On Wednesday Post Office Ltd confirmed the news we all feared and announced that branches from busy towns such as Fakenham and Downham to quiet villages like Welney and Nordelph could all be closing.

After examining the area plan proposal for Norfolk and West Suffolk the full extent of the damage is worse than first thought, as we now face the prospect of losing 19 post offices.

Downham will lose its branches on Lynn Road and Railway Road, Swaffham will see the post office on London Street axed while Fakenham has had its Wells Road service scrapped.

Lynn's Loke Road branch will also suffer along with village services in Castle Rising, East Walton, Great Walsingham, Holkham, Ringstead, Sporle, Tittleshall and West Walton.

Post offices in Beachamwell, Nordelph, Southery, Welney, Wereham and Wimbotsham all face the prospect of closure, with a new outreach service being offered as an alternative.

The post office is seen as a crucial community service in our region and our campaign has already received the backing of North West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham and South West Norfolk MP Christopher Fraser.

And you can add your support by collecting signatures for our petition (forms now available from our offices in Purfleet Street, Lynn and for download) or by downloading and completing our coupon.

Post Office Ltd has opened a public consultation on the plans and bosses want to hear local views to ensure the appropriate branches have been selected for closure and the outreach service is used in areas where it is most needed.

Network manager for Norfolk and West Suffolk Laura Tarling said: "Taking the decision to close any branch is always very difficult and we know it will cause concern to many of our customers.

"We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with our services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them."

Post Office Ltd has previously reported losses of up to £70 million a year and has seen fewer people using its branches as traditional services such as benefit payments are now available in other ways.

To express your views in the public consultation write to Laura Tarling, network development manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST Consultation Team; e-mail: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call 08457 223344.

Have your say
Back our campaign to save our post offices.

• Download and sign our coupon then send it to: Post Office Campaign, Lynn News, Limes House, Purfleet Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1HL.


• Watch out also for special Lynn News petition forms in your neighbourhood.


• You can also write to us at the above address or leave your comments below.


• You can also email to malcolm.powell@lynnnews.co.uk or text LYNNNEWS followed by a space and then your message including your name (max 160 characters) and send to 82189. Texts cost 25p plus normal network rates. If you do not want to receive details on other products or services, text EXIT at the end of your message.