Anger as Downham Market post office closes suddenly
A town post office has been temporarily closed without reason or any reopening information.
Downham Market Post Office, on High Street, closed its doors last Thursday and officials have not released any information on when it is likely to reopen.
A Post Office spokesman said: “We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our service.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Downham Market Post Office since July 12.
“We would like to reassure customers that the decision to suspend services at any of our branches is never taken lightly, and we will only do so when it is warranted.”
The family-run post office, which moved from Wales Court to WHSmith on the High Street in March 2016, opened after a longer-than-expected wait from residents.
The branch doubled in size with four modern counters and an increased range of package wrappings, envelopes, gift wrap, cards, stationary, among more.
Officials say they are looking at ways to restore the service, but cannot give an estimation as to when this is likely to happen.
The spokesman added: “We are committed to providing a post office in Downham Market.
“We are looking to see how we can restore post office services to the area as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, alternative branches for Downham Market are Denver and Wimbotsham.
“The full addresses are Denver Post Office, Downham Road, Denver, PE38 0DF, and Wimbotsham Post Office, West Way, Wimbotsham, PE34 3PZ.
“Although Downham Market Post Office is based within a WHSmith outlet the branch is managed as a franchise within the store by an independent operator, and not directly managed by WHSmith.”
Downham Market Mayor, David Sharman said: “It is going to be terribly missed and we need it to reopen as soon as possible.
“I don’t understand why it has closed. I can’t imagine it is because of footfall because it always seems to be very busy.
“It is a well used post office and I often see people queuing up to get in there. I myself use it to send and pick up packages.
“All I can say is that we need this post office to reopen as soon as possible. It will be greatly missed.”
