A Suffolk village will lose its 'lifeline' Post Office outreach service as part of a shake-up of provision for rural communities.

In a statement, the Post Office confirmed that Kelsale would be losing its outreach service on March 20, while customers in Snape, Yoxford, Wangford and Walberswick will be served by a mobile Post Office, which will start two days after their outreach services end on March 25.

The mobile service will operate at Wangford from a layby on the High Street at Church Yard.

READ MORE: Plans still being 'finalised' for Kelsale Post Office

In February, the EADT reported concerns that elderly and less mobile residents would have to travel to nearby Saxmundham.

Carlton resident Maggie Strutt, who used the Kelsale service, said: "Many of the Kelsale residents are elderly and/or disabled and many don’t have a car.

"Kelsale Post Office provides a chance to do banking when banks all around are closing. The Post Office is a lifeline.

READ MORE: Saxmundham news

"Saxmundham Post Office is in the busy High Street with no parking outside – pretty well impossible to access if of limited mobility.

"There has been no consultation about this and the villagers are most concerned."

However, a Post Office spokesperson said: "In the current challenging economic climate, Post Office must ensure its limited funding benefits the maximum number of customers across the country to ensure that the branch network remains sustainable.

READ MORE: No enforcement of post vans using Saxmundham public parking

"We are keen to proceed with the change as soon as possible, so we have decided to go ahead with our plans."

The mobile service will be run by the postmaster at Cliff Lane Post Office in Ipswich, with opening times aligned to meet customer demand.

The spokesperson added: “We have reviewed Post Office service provision and Kelsale is in close proximity (1.3 miles) to Saxmundham Post Office, which is open six days a week.

"We believe that this branch will meet the needs of the Kelsale community. There is a regular bus service from Kelsale to Saxmundham and a car park nearby.”

Customers can give their views on the changes by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk.

READ MORE: Suffolk news