POSTWATCH officials are confident about the future of Wherstead Road Post Office after voicing opposition to its closure.The independent organisation, which monitors service provided by postal operators, is in the process of drafting a letter to Post Office Limited detailing its objection.

POSTWATCH officials are confident about the future of Wherstead Road Post Office after voicing opposition to its closure.

The independent organisation, which monitors service provided by postal operators, is in the process of drafting a letter to Post Office Limited detailing its objection.

Although reasons for opposing the plan can not be given until after the letter is presented, walking distance and the accessibility of public transport are taken into consideration when Postwatch prepares its case.

As reported in the Evening Star earlier this year, the walk between the branch in Austin Street and the closest alternative in Fore Street takes a minimum of 15 minutes.

Roger Brunning, Urban Reinvention Officer for Postwatch said: "We are still making investigations and are putting in a final letter on this to Post Office Limited before public consultation finishes on May 4.

"They have to take what we say into consideration but they do not have to do what we ask.

"We have got a reasonably good record and I am hopeful we will win."

Mr Brunning has visited Ipswich himself as part of the investigation, with committee members and a network of advisors. He claims they agree on a lot of factors affecting the Wherstead Road branch.

Conservative parliamentary candidate for Ipswich Paul West organised public meetings to discuss the possible closure of branches in Ruskin Road, Felixstowe Road and Spring Road.

He said: "It is good news that Postwatch are getting involved in the campaign to save the Post Office in Wherstead Road. It is supported right across the community of Old Stoke.

"There are no alternative Post Offices, only steep uphill journeys to Maidenhall or across busy main roads into the town centre - neither is acceptable."

The proposed closure of the Wherstead Road branch is the only one to which Postwatch has objected although Mr Brunning understands the impact other closures will have in the town.

He added: "The Post Office is very close to the hearts of people and the centre of the community. I really understand why people get emotive about it but there has to be a balance if the Post Office is not making money."