A post office which has served Kesgrave for more than 22 years is set to join up with a convenience store.

The post office in Main Road, Kesgrave, has been in place for 22 years, but after owners of 17 years Garry and Kate Norden decided to hang up their postbags for good as they retire, the postal services will now move into the nearby Dobbs General Store on the corner of Dobbs Lane.

The Main Road office will close its doors for good on Saturday, February 27 at 1pm, ahead of the new premises’ reopening on February 29 at 1pm.

Post Office regional manager Will Russell said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Kesgrave and we are confident that this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services in the future.”

Among the benefits of the new arrangement will be an additional 55 hours of open time to the existing operation, as well as an open plan space and additional services such as Transcash and manual banking.

Although the move will mean the office is more than half a mile further for some customers, it is hoped the additional transport options with bus services will alleviate travel issues.

While the move takes place, residents are being urged to use the Penzance Road Post Office.

Mr Russell added: “This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and makes a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

Ahead of his retirement, Mr Nordon added: “Some customers are sorry to see us go, but regulars who know me say it is a good thing for me.

“People have been very supportive with this change and are very pleased for me.

“The new post office has got much longer opening hours which is much more convenient and they are going to do exactly the same as what we do.

“The people who are taking on the post office are very nice people. I feel comfortable in handing over the business to them.”

The new hours for the Post Office will be 8am to 11pm Monday-Saturday and 8am to 10.30pm on Sunday.