A public meeting is being held after villagers penned a 400-signature petition in a bid to force the Post Office to rethink relocating the Upwell branch into a nearby shop.

Residents in Upwell handed the petition to local MP Liz Truss who succeeded in calling a public meeting to air the views of local people which include concerns about the lack of privacy and parking.

The meeting is in the village hall on Friday March 27 from 4–5 pm.

South West Norfolk MP Ms Truss said: “I raised local residents concerns with the Chief Executive of Post Office Ltd requesting that a public meeting be held.

“I am pleased that this is now taking place. In rural locations like Upwell it is important that consideration is given to the needs of the community and I am keen that Post Office Ltd works with local residents to find a way forward.”

Councillor Vivienne Spikings said: “Local residents are extremely concerned by this proposal and the post office need to hear first-hand why the current situation works so well for the community.

“I am pleased that we have been listened to and our requests for a meeting will now take place.”

The post office move would involve taking it to nearby G&B superstore which would offer longer opening hours seven days a week, a modern open-plan environment and an extra 70 hours of Post Office services per week.

It is not yet known whether the Upwell Post Office would close if the move was set to take place.

Will Russell, regional Post Office manager said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in the Upwell area and we are confident this new modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.”