THESE are worrying times for everyone associated with the post office and Royal Mail as the business faces a difficult era of change.As the management tries to come to terms with this change, the union is taking strike action which has disrupted deliveries very badly.

THESE are worrying times for everyone associated with the post office and Royal Mail as the business faces a difficult era of change.

As the management tries to come to terms with this change, the union is taking strike action which has disrupted deliveries very badly.

But this shows just how dangerous strike action in the Royal Mail can be.

In the 1980s a mail strike would have brought the country to its knees and would be something everyone was talking about. Now people use other methods to keep in contact - and for many it is simply a blessed relief from mountains of junk mail.

The real danger to the Royal Mail is that companies which rely on the post to get their goods to the customers will find other firms willing to take parcels the final mile to the their customers - internet shopping companies will not stay with the Royal Mail if they can't guarantee delivery to their customers.

The Royal Mail is also facing up to change by closing several smaller post offices around the country - and today was Suffolk's turn to learn its fate.

The decision will leave many communities feeling abandoned as their lifeline, which provides banking as well as postal facilities, faces closure.

Change often hurts, however necessary it might be for the future health of company involved. The Royal Mail is at a crossroads - and it is finding it cannot find the right way to continue without upsetting both its staff and its customers.

IT IS wonderful to see that Martin Townshend, who came off his motocross bike in an apparently horrific accident little over a week ago, avoided serious injury in the accident.

Clearly the new neck brace he was wearing saved him from very serious injury or death - and it is heartening to hear that his fellow riders are now queuing up to buy these braces.

The consequences of a motorcycle accident can be devastating - as Laurie Squirrell can testify - and anything to make motocross safer must be welcomed.

Hopefully by the start of next season, news of Martin's recovery after his accident will have spread through the sport and will have persuaded all riders to invest £300 in their future safety.

A NEW audience had the chance to see the restored Regent Theatre as The Proclaimers rocked Ipswich last night.

The Proclaimers have been one of the most refreshing groups of the last 20 years and their distinctive style went down a storm.

And it is also very good news that Charlie and Craig Reid have backed The Evening Star's Somebody's Daughter campaign with their special gifts to be auctioned for the appeal.

The Proclaimers showed themselves to be as big-hearted as they are big stars. The whole audience will hope they enjoyed their first visit to Ipswich and everyone would be delighted to see them back again next time they go on tour.