Mildenhall councillor brands Post Office closure 'tragic'

Mildenhall's King Street Post Office is set to close down in 2024 following the resignation of the operator, which is a further blow for the town that has been left with no banks following the closure of Barclays earlier this year. 

Andy Neal, who represents Mildenhall Queensway on West Suffolk Council, said he fears for those who regularly use and rely on the services the Post Office currently provides.

Councillor Andy Neal, who represents Mildenhall Queensway on West Suffolk Council (Image: West Suffolk Council)

"This closure is tragic for Mildenhall and yet again another loss of service," he said.

"The banks are gone, the factory shop gone, wilko gone, bus station closed, we have very little else in Mildenhall.

"I feel sorry for the generation that relied on the post office for banking, pre-paid electric and gas cards along with all the other services our wonderful post office staff delivered."

Mr Neal added that he is worried for the future of the town and its young people, following the spate of businesses shutting down.

Mildenhall Post Office in King Street (Image: Google maps)

"Not every closure is down to changing times or an internet influence," he said.

"I fear for future generations that will have social interaction removed from their lives.

"Self service checkouts has taken conversations out of the supermarket experience. All the closures are career opportunities removed. The post office is no exception." 

Announcing the closure, a Post Office spokesman said: "The operator for Mildenhall Post Office has resigned and the branch is due to close next summer.

"We know how important a Post Office is to a community and the vacancy is advertised online.

"We would like to hear from any interested retailers."

Post Offices have closed across Suffolk in recent years.

It was announced last month that the branch in Sudbury was closing, but a last-minute U-turn was made on the day of closure and it remains open.