Post Office has confirmed it will be re-locating its services in east Ipswich after the closure of Heath News forced the Post Office into temporary closure.

Ipswich Star: Heath News on Heath Road has remained closed since June. Picture: GREGG BROWNHeath News on Heath Road has remained closed since June. Picture: GREGG BROWN

On Friday, June 2, the Heath News newsagents on the corner of Foxhall Road and Heath Road mysteriously closed without warning, which left the Post Office located inside also unable to open.

A sign was placed in the window merely saying “closed” while customers reported that they had not had their newspaper deliveries.

It is understood that even members of staff were not aware of the closure until they turned up for work that day.

While it has not been made clear why the newsagents closed, it has remained shut since then.

Ipswich Star: Heath News on Heath Road is closed. Picture: GREGG BROWNHeath News on Heath Road is closed. Picture: GREGG BROWN

A spokeswoman from Post Office previously said its counter would be “temporarily closed” and was reviewing the situation.

Now however it has confirmed that the Post Office will not be re-opening in Heath News and another home was being sought.

The spokeswoman said: “Heath Road Post Office has unfortunately been closed since June due to operational reasons.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the branch, which was unexpected and beyond our control.

“We are now able to advertise the vacancy. Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should ring 0845 266 8790 and talk to an advisor or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk.

“The vacancy will also soon be advertised on our website www.runapostoffice.co.uk.

“Alternative branches in the area include Rushmere Heath, Queens Way, Cauldwell Hall Road and Selkirk Road.”

It has not been disclosed what support, if any, had been given to the existing staff, but Post Office was unable to offer them temporary roles at its other branches as they were employed directly by the postmaster at Heath News and not by Post Office itself.

The spokeswoman added: “Heath Road Post Office is not directly managed by Post Office Ltd. Therefore, staff were employed by the postmaster.

“It is the postmaster who is responsible for paying the wages of staff, the transfer of employees to any new employee and any redundancy.”