Post office services in Kesgrave could be boosted by 70 hours per week if a bid to move from the Main Road site is approved.
Proposals to close the existing post office and store in Kesgrave’s Main Road have been put forward ahead of the retirement of its current postmasters, Garry and Kate Nordon.
The couple have run the post office and store in the town, opposite Kesgrave High School, for 17 years, and were at Bentley Post Office for 12 years prior to that.
The Main Road site has offered postal services for 22 years, having been a post office and butchers previously.
Under the proposed plans, the post office facilities would move to Dobbs Lane General Store, at which post office services would be available from Monday to Saturday from 8am– 11pm and on Sunday from 8am–10.30pm.
The current Main Road post office closes most days at 5.30pm, at 1pm on Saturdays and does not open on Sundays.
The new location would also have better access for disabled customers, with a wide door and level access, whereas the current branch has a step.
Ahead of his retirement, Mr Nordon said: “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.
“They are the sort of people who will get on with customers.”
Will Russell, Post Office regional manager, said: “We understand how important having a post office is to residents in Kesgrave and we are confident that this new modern service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.
“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”
Kesgrave Town Council will discuss the plans at its planning and development committee meeting on Monday, October 5, from 6.15pm.
The Post Office is running a six-week public consultation into the move until November 5. To respond, email your views to comments@postoffice.co.uk, call the customer helpline on 08457 223344 or textphone 08457 223355. You can also complete the online questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 082130.
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