Death knell sounds for sub-post offices

It cites falling numbers of customers, increased running costs and changes in the way benefits are paid as the reasons.

But Seaford's MP Norman Baker feared the death knell was sounding for local post offices.

He said: 'The Post Office is determined to decrease the number of post offices which offer a vital service to the local community. This will leave a huge gap in Seaford, forcing the elderly and infirm to travel into the main office in town.'

He added: 'We are seeing the slow death of post offices in our towns outside the main offices.'

Drew McBride, Post Office head of area, said the effect of closures had been thoroughly investigated. 'Proposals to close Post Office branches are not made without considerable research and discussion so we are anxious that customers and all relevant organisations understand our rationale and have the opportunity to give us their views.

'We have a responsibility to ensuring that customers in Seaford will continue to have reasonable access to local Post Office products and services.

'Even after any changes are made, well over 95 per cent of customers will still live within a mile of a Post Office branch.'

After talks with sub-postmasters it was decided that remaining post offices would have a more secure future if the two closed, he added.

Barry Morgan, sub-postmaster at Alfriston Road, whose family also runs the Chyngton Estate Post Office, agreed. He said: 'It is inevitable there will be a closure. Already, Alfriston Road is very quiet.

'If the post office goes the shop is dead. It is a sad situation, but we are hoping it will put our other office in a stronger position to continue.'

Vale Road Post Office sub-postmaster Vince Conway, declined to comment.

People can have their say about the closures by writing to the Post Office, National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN.