David Ruffley will perform the opening ceremony at the upgraded Sicklesmere Post Office on Friday, 20 June at 4.30 p.m., together with Councillor John Griffiths, Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council.

Sicklesmere Post Office was in danger of closing following a raid on the post office and the subsequent lack of funds to upgrade the security and fabric of the building. But following a campaign backed by David Ruffley, a grant was awarded to Mrs Patricia Larman, the sub-postmistress, by St Edmundsbury Borough Council and a further grant was made available by the Countryside Agency.

David said: 'If Sicklesmere Post Office had closed it would have been a loss to the whole community. I was determined to do everything possible to keep it open. Despite calling a senior official from the Post Office to a site meeting in January, the Post Office refused to provide any funds. However, when I contacted St Edmundsbury Borough Council to see if they could assist, the response was far more positive. Following further discussions, Nick Martin, the Borough's Economic Development Officer was able to award a grant to Mrs Larman. The Countryside Agency were similarly positive in their response to my campaign. I am delighted that the Post Office will remain open. I encourage all local residents to make full use of it.'