Anger and dismay at post office closures

Samila Khosfekr, who runs Mount Pleasant Post Office in Newhaven, was devastated at the decision to close her branch.

She said: 'It is really sad. It is really, really hard.

'The customers have been really supportive, they are lovely.

'I am only here for them.

'I just want to say to them, thank you so much for all the support, I am sorry we lost our little battle.'

When the list of post offices facing the chop was announced in November campaigners in Newhaven protested in force.

They sent a petition with more than 2,000 signatures to protest.

Angie Hindocha of Claremont Road Post Office in Seaford said she knew the closures were inevitable from the start.

She said: 'As it stands the public consultation was a farce. Why did they bother doing it? They didn't listen to anyone. We are supposed to be closing on March 12 but we are going to carry on fighting.

'I am not thinking beyond that at the moment. We just have to take a deep breath and wait and see what happens. To me it is just the state of this country - fullstop - and I hope when people go to the polls they remember this.

'It is an indictment of our society and this government. We are just the little people who do not matter.'

Wannock postmistress Jean Temple said she and her husband Brian would retire.

She added: 'The closure is very sad for the community.'

Mrs Temple was keen to point out the Wannock branch would still be open until mid-March.

Wealden MP Charles Hendry, who is shadow minister for postal affairs, said: 'It is bad news as far as Wealden is concerned.

'The consultation process was flawed and people will be very angry.'

The post office branches to close in the Sussex Express circulation area are: North Chailey, Mount Pleasant in Newhaven, Claremont Road and Newick Close branches in Seaford, Upper Dicker, Willingdon, Wannock, Heathfield and Framfield.

The only post office on the proposed closure list to get a reprieve is Landport Stores in Lewes.

Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office customers, is further reviewing its proposed closure.

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