James Cartlidge on pledge to protect Boxford Stores

Last month, subpostmaster Richard Haining, who manages Boxford Stores in Swan Street, in the village near Sudbury and Hadleigh, revealed its parent company would halve the office’s exceptional subsidy in January, from £2,700 to £1,350 per month.

On top of this, the hours would also be reduced from 50 to 30, which Mr Haining described as "not feasible".

At the time, South Suffolk MP, James Cartlidge, called for more clarity on the future of the store, promising to write to the Post Office and the government.

Addressing this, the Post Office stated it regularly reviewed provision across the network to ensure the service was stable with limited resources and would not make any changes until a strategic review was completed later in the autumn.

Richard Haining, who runs the shop (Image: James Cartlidge)

On Wednesday, Mr Cartlidge shared a letter from the minister responsible for postal affairs, Gareth Thomas MP, who reiterated the company’s response.

He added: “The government recognizes how critical these issues are for postmasters and the future of the network and will continue an open dialogue with the Post Office.”

With November right around the corner, Mr Cartlidge pledged to continue to campaign for the protection of these "vital services" but warned the "damaging moves" could take place as early as next month.

Boxford Stores is considered one of the oldest shops in England, with a recorded trading history dating back to 1420.

James Cartlidge is the MP for the area (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking previously, Mr Haining said: "With the current climate, postmasters are loved all around the country and the Post Office reputation is on the floor. We should not be raising this issue at the moment. This should not be happening. 

"My real question was 'do you want to close Post Offices?' That's what going to happen. These offices will close because people won't be able to afford it."