Post Offices across Suffolk are seeing a big increase in cash transactions over their counters as high street banks continue to close branches across the county.

Figures published by the Post Office show a 19% rise in cash deposits in the east of England in a year.

Postmaster Roger Tripp, who runs Framlingham Post Office, said more bank customers had come through the door of his branch since banks shut in the town, including the Market Hill branch of Barclays, which closed in September.

He said: "Yes, definitely. It has got to do with the banks closing their branches. We are the only financial institution left that will do their transactions.

READ MORE: Barclays: Framlingham town angered at last bank closure

"It is good news for the Post Office because it increases our transactions and footfall."

Over the last year, a number of other Barclays banks have closed in Suffolk towns, including in Woodbridge and Southwold, while the Leiston outlet shut on May 17.

Many other High Street banks have also closed branches as part of a drive to move more banking services online, which has stoked fears about financial exclusion, especially for customers who are unable to access the internet.

READ MORE: Framlingham Barclays move to bring services under one roof

Barclays closed its branch in Market Hill Framlingham in SeptemberBarclays closed its branch in Market Hill Framlingham in September (Image: Newsquest) Banking hubs are being launched to replace these lost branches and provide a shared banking service for customers.

This newspaper revealed that the pop-up Barclays hub at the Crown hotel in Framlingham has relocated to the town's former postal sorting office in Riverside to effectively bring all services under one roof.

The Riverside premises is also home to the town's Post Office, which has been handling cash transactions for Barclays customers.

READ MORE: Barclays in Market Hill, Framlingham to close in August

A Post Office spokesperson said: “In July 2024, withdrawals in the East of England amounted to £80.7 million, up around 15% from July 2023.

"Cash deposits in July 2024 totalled £216.8 million, up by around 19% compared to the £181.7 million deposited in July 2023.

"We know that in many parts of the country, including across East Anglia, Post Offices are the only place where people can do their everyday banking.

"The figures indicate that demand for cash is as strong as ever with cash providing a reliable means for managing finances, helping both consumers and local businesses and postmasters are here to serve their communities.”

READ MORE: Framlingham news