Residents and the town’s council have reacted to the news that Diss Post Office will move to a new site.
The branch, which has been in the town’s Market Place since 1953, will switch to the former home of Octagon Craft Gallery and Coffee Lounge at 35e Mere Street.
It follows the conclusion of a second public consultation after initial proposals to move it to 5 Mere Street were deemed to be unsuitable.
The decision, which stands to alter the streetscape of Diss, has been prompted by the existing site’s short-term lease and the necessity to find a more permanent premises.
Criticising the process, Diss Town Council leader Simon Olander said more should have been done to keep the post office in its home of 71 years.
“Diss Town Council responded robustly to the two consultation phases and recently engaged Richard Bacon MP regarding the proposed post office move,” he said.
“Although we are pleased that the service will remain in the town for the longer term, it is disappointing that more could not be done to retain the branch in its current key location.”
The town council previously labelled the consultation little more than a “tick-box exercise”, while concerns were raised by other consultees about the impact of people potentially queuing outside of what will be a smaller building during busy times of the day.
Cllr Olander added: “There are concerns that customers will be forced to queue out of the entrance adjacent to a high traffic area given the reduced floor space.
“Together with the recent closure of all but one bank in Diss, resulting in a greater demand to deposit cash safely, and the current branch already regularly experiencing daily queuing, we felt that Post Offices Ltd should have negotiated to remain open on the Market Place, potentially combined as a banking hub.”
Following the news, people took to the Diss Express Facebook page to give their opinions – and were no less welcoming.
Kay Blake said: “This building was gifted to Diss for it to be a post office indefinitely, I’m lead to believe, so why, oh why, is it to move?
“Make use of the space that is there with other things, like counters for the banks that have closed, as I am sure the older generation would appreciate it as a lot of them don’t have access to the internet, or are able to travel to another branch.”
Patrick Morley added: “Oh no, not the lovely old post office. It is part of the market scene.”
The comments fell on deaf ears, though, with a spokesman for Post Offices Ltd confirming that switch would go ahead, with a date still to be confirmed.
A spokesman said: “After careful consideration of the feedback received, we remain confident that the layout and location of the new branch will continue to meet customer needs and deliver an excellent service, while securing the long-term viability of post office services in the local community.”
The new premises, which will undergo a full refurbishment, will incorporate the post office, as well as a card and stationery store.
The spokesman added: “We are currently making the final arrangements for the move and further information will be provided in branch once the dates have been agreed.”
