GREAT Yarmouth's prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidate Brandon Lewis has stepped into a row over the sudden closure of Bradwell post office, demanding assurances over the future.

GREAT Yarmouth's prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidate Brandon Lewis has stepped into a row over the sudden closure of Bradwell post office, demanding assurances over the future.

Following the closure of the Beccles Road branch without explanation, the nearest post office for villagers is in Magdalen Way, Gorleston.

Post Office Ltd has begun a six-week consultation with villagers about a proposal to relocate the branch to the village's Premier store in Church Lane, but this is not set to open until September at the earliest.

Mr Lewis said: “We are worried that following recent Labour-led closures that Post Office Ltd will use this as an opportunity to restrict the services on offer.”

In a letter to Post Office bosses, he said he had demanded confirmation of the timetable for opening the new branch and assurances there would be no reduction in opening hours or services and that the “temporary” closure would not be used as an excuse for ending post office provision in Bradwell.

Bradwell Parish Council clerk Jeremy Caborn said that people were especially worried about the effect on the elderly.

A Post Office spokesman said the planned new branch would offer a purpose-built serving counter, an entrance ramp with handrail and automatic door for the disabled.