THREE post offices in Ipswich could close as a result of government attempts to shake-up the service, it has been claimed today.

THREE post offices in Ipswich could close as a result of government attempts to shake-up the service, it has been claimed today.

In an announcement by trade secretary Alistair Darling it was revealed the number of people using post offices has dropped by four million compared to two years ago. He said the current network is “unsustainable”.

Mr Darling said around 2,500 post offices - a fifth of those left in the UK - will have to close by 2009 to make the service viable.

Andrew Cann, deputy leader of the liberal democrat group at Suffolk County Council, said the announcement could mean a further three post offices closing in Ipswich in addition to six that have closed in the town since 1997.

Mr Cann has criticised Ipswich's Labour MP Chris Mole, claiming he has not stood up to defend the town's post office network.

He said: “Chris Mole was elected by the people of Ipswich to serve their needs, not those of the Labour government.

“Moles' Government has stripped away services from the Post Office network undermining these local businesses and Mr Mole hasn't lifted a finger to stop it.

“In Ipswich, six post offices have closed since Labour took control of government, this announcement could mean a further three closing.

“That would leave only 14 post offices serving a population of 120,000.

“Eight years ago there were 23 Post Offices in the Ipswich constituency alone.”

Mr Mole said there is clearly a national problem with fewer people using post offices but said it would be rash to oppose change before the implications are clear.

He said: “Until any proposals come forward you cannot judge what implications are.

“There may be none in Ipswich or there may be some.

“If in any particular instance I feel that access is undermined and it will create difficulties for people I will be objecting to any such proposals.”

n Are you concerned your post office could close? What do you use it for? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk