WAVENEY MP Bob Blizzard has met representatives from Post Office watchdog Postwatch in a bid to prevent a north Suffolk office from being closed.The MP helped launch a campaign to prevent the closure of the Kirkley Post Office in Waterloo Road, Lowestoft, and said its loss would be “a tremendous blow” to local residents.

WAVENEY MP Bob Blizzard has met representatives from Post Office watchdog Postwatch in a bid to prevent a north Suffolk office from being closed.

The MP helped launch a campaign to prevent the closure of the Kirkley Post Office in Waterloo Road, Lowestoft, and said its loss would be “a tremendous blow” to local residents.

Since becoming involved the Labour MP has received “a mountain of mail” along with telephone calls from people living and working in the Kirkley area of south Lowestoft.

“Kirkley, which was recognised as an area of high social and economic deprivation, has been targeted by government agencies as an area which would benefit hugely from an injection of substantial government initiated funding.

“During the last seven years £15 million has been invested in this area, and it is envisaged that at least another £2 to £4 million is still to be invested over the next three years,” said Mr Blizzard.

He said the post office branch in Waterloo Road was conveniently positioned in an established and significant parade of shops that served local residents, businesses and many holidaymakers enjoying the nearby award-winning Lowestoft South Beach.

“People can shop and conduct their financial dealings in the one road at the same time.

“The closure of the last bank in Kirkley meant that the post office was the only remaining outlet for financial services in the area,” said Mr Blizzard.

“If the post offices closes it will mean that people, many on low income, will either have to take a 2.5 mile walk over the bascule bridge to the already overcrowded main post office in London Road North or they will have to walk up the hill to the post office in Carlton Road,” he said.

Mr Blizzard is being supported in the campaign to keep the post office in Waterloo Road open by district councillors and other local representatives.

Post Office officials have asked for public comments before a final decision on the Waterloo Road branch is taken although they are recommending closure.