POST OFFICES in Suffolk are still struggling and desperately need new work in order to survive, a survey published today (Friday) reveals.Despite the recent closure programme, the research by the National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP), highlights the major threat continuing to put pressure on the Post Office network.

POST OFFICES in Suffolk are still struggling and desperately need new work in order to survive, a survey published today (Friday) reveals.

Despite the recent closure programme, the research by the National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP), highlights the major threat continuing to put pressure on the Post Office network.

Simon Cudworth, subpostmaster at Cliff Lane Post Office, Ipswich, and the branch secretary for the Ipswich Branch of the NFSP said the report reflects the “dire situation” for subpostmasters in Suffolk.

He urged local and central government to “think post office first.”

He said: “I am not surprised at the findings. Promises of new business for Post Offices have not materialised.

“Traditional work has been taken away from post offices, pensions, TV licences that sort of thing.

“The messages are being sent from central government talking about new work but it is not being realised locally.”

He said while subpostmasters' income remains stagnant their costs and overheads are increasing year on year.

With staff to pay at minimum wage, which rises each year, as well as utility bills, which have increased, local post offices are struggling to cope.

Mr Cudworth added: “We hoped after the recent closure programme, reducing the network of post offices to 12,000, there would be enough business to go around but it is clearly not the case,” Mr Cudworth added.

“We need new business. We need central government and local authorities to think post offices first.”

The Ipswich branch of the NFSP are holding a meeting to discuss the issues on Tuesday July 14 at the Kesgrave Community Centre starting at 7.30pm.