The Post Office apologised after a premature announcement that a new "Drop & Collect" service would open at LB Shotter & Sons petrol station in Leiston on 20 November; the petrol station says it declined the offer. Leiston's full branch closed in October when the Coopers hardware shop it was based in ceased trading. The Post Office is now seeking alternative local retailers to restore services and is advertising vacancies, including for a replacement in Halesworth.
Confusion Over Leiston 'Drop & Collect' Location After Premature Post Office Announcement
The Post Office apologised after a premature announcement that a new "Drop & Collect" service would open at LB Shotter & Sons petrol station in Leiston on 20 November; the petrol station says it declined the offer. Leiston's full branch closed in October when the Coopers hardware shop it was based in ceased trading. The Post Office is now seeking alternative local retailers to restore services and is advertising vacancies, including for a replacement in Halesworth.
07:56 PM, 11/13/2025Society
Confusion over location of new Post Office "Drop & Collect" service in Leiston
Residents and local traders in Leiston, Suffolk, have been left uncertain after the Post Office prematurely announced a new lighter-format "Drop & Collect" service would open at LB Shotter & Sons petrol station on 20 November.
The Post Office published a letter on its website naming LB Shotter & Sons as the planned site for the replacement service, which it said would handle pre-paid mail and bill payments but would not provide personal or business banking. However, LB Shotter & Sons has since said it was approached but declined the offer because it already processes parcels for other providers and did not wish to take on the additional Post Office role.
"Plans for a lighter format Drop & Collect Post Office at LB Shotter & Sons is not proceeding at this current time," the Post Office said. "We are in discussions with the owners about the possibility of this branch opening at a later date. We apologise for the premature announcement."
The Post Office apologised to customers and said it is working to put a replacement service in place after Leiston's full branch unexpectedly closed in October. The former branch on Sizewell Road shut when the Coopers hardware shop that hosted the Post Office ceased trading; Coopers has closed multiple shops across Norfolk and Suffolk citing financial difficulties.
East Suffolk Council contacted Coopers' local area change manager urging a solution after the loss of the Leiston service. Meanwhile, Halesworth also lost a branch after a different Coopers store closed, and the Post Office said it is advertising for a new retailer in Halesworth with an online advert running until 19 November.
LB Shotter & Sons told the Post Office it wanted the statement removed from public view, and the Post Office said it would welcome interest from local retailers to restore services to affected communities.
What this means for locals
- Leiston residents should be aware the previously announced 20 November opening at LB Shotter & Sons will not go ahead at this time.
- The Post Office is seeking alternative local retailers to host Drop & Collect services and is advertising vacancies.
- Customers should check the Post Office website or local council updates for the latest information on replacement services.