I have sadly been informed from the Post Office that the branch in Gressenhall will close on 02 September 2024 at 3pm. 

The Post Office is a valued asset in any village and particularly so in Gressenhall. When it last faced closure in 2015 I helped save it and it has continued to run for the last 9 years. It has throughout this period been run by a temporary postmaster and the agency doing so has received a subsidy from the post office. Without this it would have closed long ago. This has recently been reviewed, and it no longer meets the criteria to receive such a subsidy as there is another post office in a 3 mile radius (Dereham and North Elmham are the closest).

The reality I am afraid - so I am informed - is that the post office has an annual turnover of just £2,500. This would clearly not be financially viable for any business person to take on. 

The only real possible alternative I could see working is a voluntary group taking it on which I am going to explore further and an idea I will put to your parish council/councillors/the community to see if there is any way of keeping it going via this route. Clearly this will take a little bit of time to organise. 

It is sad to see our local post offices close. They are the heart of any community. Rest assured I will do all I can  to see if there is any way at all that it can be saved from permanent closure.

ps. As I set out when launching the Fair Funding Alliance, with the era of cheap energy behind us I fear that we are witnessing growing financial pressure on all rural businesses from pubs to post offices  - and all rural public services - effectively a Rural Tax - which the Government needs to recognise and provide targeted support for the most rural areas. 

Fighting for A Rural Premium and Fairer Funding for Rural Public Services.