RESIDENTS in a string of Suffolk villages are today taking in the news that they are set to lose their post offices.Almost 70 branches across west Suffolk and Norfolk have been earmarked for closure today under a brutal cost-cutting Government closure programme.

RESIDENTS in a string of Suffolk villages are today taking in the news that they are set to lose their post offices.

Almost 70 branches across west Suffolk and Norfolk have been earmarked for closure today under a brutal cost-cutting Government closure programme.

Among the locations set to lose post office branches are Stowmarket and Combs Ford.

Post offices in Barton Mills, Honington, Risby, Fornham All Saints, Horringer, Whepstead, Cowlinge, Wattisfield, Great Ashfield, Old Newton will all be shut under the controversial plans.

The towns of Newmarket, Haverhill, and Thetford will also lose one of their branches - in Exning Road, Chalkstone, Crown Street and Nun's Bridge respectively.

While full post offices in Gislingham and Wattisham Airfield will be scaled down providing limited outreach services.

The west Suffolk and Norfolk plans are part of the Post Office's bid to save money by closing 2,500 branches across England and Wales.

Each branch is due to close subject to a six-week consultation exercise branded a “sham” by angry Norfolk MP Norman Lamb.

The list includes 47 outright closures in Norfolk and 14 in west Suffolk. It also includes six in Norfolk and two in west Suffolk which are earmarked for replacement with “outreach” services including temporary facilities that serve villages for a few hours each week.