A town will be left without a post office or any way to withdraw or deposit cash after the closure of a store.

Bungay in Suffolk has for months relied on a Post Office branch within a McColl's store for banking, after the town lost its only cash machine and bank branch nearly a year ago.

Now, the announced closure of McColl's and the in-store Post Office branch on St Mary's Street will leave residents and business without any way to do banking or deal with their post.

It was confirmed on Friday, January 31, that the store and post office would close.

A spokesperson for McColl's said: "Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision to cease trading at the McColl's store in Bungay.

"The store will close in January 2021. We are saddened that we will no longer be operating the store after this date. Our priority is to support all affected colleagues and to continue to serve our customers until the store closes".

A Post Office spokesperson also confirmed: "The operator for Bungay Post Office has recently resigned and the premises that we do not own, will be withdrawn for Post Office in January 2021. The shop where the Post Office is based is also closing in January."

The nearest Post Office branch for those living in Bungay is two miles away in Ditchingham.

One resident said: "How are people that don't have transport supposed to get money out or put money in?"

Another said: "It's such a shame what's happening to Bungay. Why can't we attract some of the bigger shops and companies like Beccles?"

Bungay Mayor Sue Collins said: "We are disappointed with the sudden closure. There has been no consultation or prior notice given and the town council are surprised. Many residents use the post office services for their banking.

"There is also a purpose built post office building which has remained shut since October 2015. We can't see why these premises can't be used."The Post Office said they would encourage other businesses to get in touch to help provide services to the town.

A spokesperson said: "We understand how important a Post Office is to a community and we are committed to providing a Post Office in the area. We are looking at ways to provide Post Office services.

"Any retailer interested in incorporating a Post Office in their premises should email ND.enquiries@postoffice.co.uk or 0333 345 5560, then select option 2. The vacancy will soon be advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk"