Residents and local representatives have expressed concerns at the way in which proposed post office changes have been approached.

The only post office in Capel St Mary is planning to move into the village’s Co-operative store.

It is understood that post office services will operate from two Co-op tills, hours will extend and accessibility will improve.

A letter was placed in the post office and contact was made with local representatives on October 22 to announce the public consultation period that will take place until December 4.

Sue Carpendale, Babergh District councillor and Mid Samford ward member, said: “We want the new set-up to be properly run, with trained staff and dedicated counters which will ensure privacy, confidentiality and security to customers especially when handling money or personal business, and that it won’t get mixed up with shopping trolleys and long queues. We don’t have this information and there doesn’t seem to be a facility for us to get answers.”

The letter states that residents can reply via email, their website, freepost or a customer helpline.

David Thompson, of Capel St Mary, said when he called the helpline he was put through three automated services and then told his question would be answered in 10 working days.

“More than a week of the consultation period has elapsed but it not too late for the Post Office Ltd to deliver its letter to every house and business, to set up phone lines and extend the period,” he said.

“Failure to do so will raise very serious questions about the nature of its public consultation.”

A Post Office spokesman said: “When a decision is made, we will inform customers, local representatives and the media. It is not appropriate to comment on any submissions received before that point.”