The “sad loss” of the historic Post Office in Woolpit is set to go ahead, despite concerns from residents.

From next month, Post Office services will be provided at the East of England Co-op, on The Street, with the introduction of longer opening hours.

However, the move will mark the end of over 100 years serving the village from its current site, also in The Street.

The postmaster, Richard Cross, says he will initially continue to serve the village as a shop, but is unsure whether it will be financially viable.

He said: “At the moment we are going to see how it goes without the Post Office services. We sell cards, stationery and offer dry cleaning services.

“I can see the reasons behind the move – they wanted longer opening hours and there was no way that would be viable for our shop.”

The move will see Co-op staff take on the running of the Post Office services.

Villager Stanley Bates said the Post Office was at the heart of the community, and the imminent closure would represent a big loss to the village.

“It will be a very sad day. So much that goes on in the village goes through the Post Office. It won’t be the same at the Co-op.

“I don’t think there will be any real benefit to the longer hours. Also, parking in that part of the street is far worse, it already suffers congestion every day.”

Woolpit Parish Council clerk Peggy Fuller said they had several concerns over the move, including congestion and parking issues to the front of the Co-op.

She said: “We have discussed the issue and put our points to the Post Office. We did not want to see the loss of another independent business.

“There were concerns about traffic and congestion when we discussed the issue at parish council meetings.

“Members of the public also raised several issues with us. The good news is we are not losing our post office.”

The Post Office will close at 12.30pm on Saturday March 14, before the new counters within the Co-op open at 1pm on March 16. During this period, the nearest alternative post office is in Elmswell.

The Post Office’s regional manager, Will Russell, said: “We understand how important having a post office is to residents in Woolpit and we are confident this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.”

The move will mean an extra 52 hours of opening a week, with two counters in the Co-op providing services Monday to Saturday, 6am-9pm. It will also be opening on Sunday from 8am-4pm.