A petition urging the Post Office to abandon plans to relocate its Lowestoft town centre operations has been sent in.

The proposals, which campaigners have labelled "flawed and irresponsible", would see North Lowestoft Post Office moved 300m to Bushells Bakery on Tennyson Road.

Most Easterly Community Group (MECG) has posted an appeal with 257 signatures to the consultation which lasts until December 5.

Opponents say there has been a post office branch on the High Street for at least 110 years, with the current branch having been in its present location for at least 35 years.

READ MORE: Post Office in Suffolk town could move into historic bakery

Christine Newman, MECG co-chair, said: “We hope that Post Office Ltd take these 257 objections into account when carrying out their consultation, as well as those of East Suffolk Council, Lowestoft Town Council, and the many other online comments."

Other reasons for objection, campaigners say, include the importance of a post office as a business generator and the recent resurgence of the area.

They also note the investment made in rejuvenating the appearance of the High Street and renovating the Town Hall, the reduction of service level likely to come from the new location, and long history of a Post Office in the High Street. 

The Post Office has said the new site would undergo a full refurbishment and stay open for longer hours.

It said: "Our North Lowestoft Post Office located on the High Street has been operated by a temporary postmaster.

"We're pleased that a new permanent operator has been appointed who has identified an alternative location to operate North Lowestoft Post Office."

With any relocation to take place in the new year, locals can have their say up until Thursday, December 5 online via postofficeviews.co.uk using the branch code 460136, by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or call 03452 66 01 15.