The branch at Landport Stores in Lee Road will close on Monday (May 12) but the shop will continue to trade.

Last month Post Office Ltd announced the Landport branch would join more than 40 post offices across the county which have been closed, or are set to close, in its latest round of cost-cutting measures.

There are fears the closure will create huge queues at the town's last remaining post office, the already busy main post office in the High Street.

Sunny Patel, the co-proprietor of Landport Stores, has thanked his customers for their support in trying to keep the branch open and has spoken of his sadness at the Post Office's decision to axe it.

Mr Patel said: 'It was heartening to receive so much support from so many people who wrote letters and signed the petition.

'We are very aware that many of you will face considerable difficulties with the loss of this most valuable service.

'This inexcusable decision has no justification and completely ignores the needs of the community.'

The Patel family has run the shop and the post office for 28 years and despite their disappointment at the closure will continue trading and hope to expand other parts of their business.

Lewes District Council offered to give financial support to the post office but this was ignored by Post Office Ltd.

MP Norman Baker said: 'It is extremely disappointing that the Landport Post Office has now been given a final closure date which is less than a week away and that the people of Lewes will now be left with only one post office to serve the entire town.

'The queues at the post office in the High Street are already unacceptable and this short-sighted decision will only make the current situation worse.

'This government's flagrant disregard for the vital role that post offices play in local communities is appalling and unforgivable.

'The district council and I have pulled out all the stops to save this Post Office but we have been met with obstruction and contempt from both the Post Office and the government.

'The whole so-called consultation process has been a complete sham.'