‘Delight’ as Langney Post Office reopens

There was a grand reopening ceremony at the service in Langney Shopping Centre on Monday (August 24).

Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell cut the ribbon with new Postmaster Sholeh Williams outside the shop called Langney Post Office and Sweetie Choices.

The new store specialises in retro sweets and greeting cards, and is a family-run business with Sholeh’s husband Paul and their daughter Persia.

Mrs Ansell said, “We are delighted Langney Post Office has re-opened with an enthusiastic new Postmaster Sholeh Williams and her family.

“A Post Office offers so many services and it is vital to a community. Residents and local businesses can do their banking withdrawals and deposits on behalf of the major banks at a Post Office, providing convenience for customers.”

Also present was Langney Councillor Alan Shuttleworth, who presented a bouquet of flowers to resident Anna Hooper.

Anna had collected 5,000 signatures for a petition to reopen the service, which had been closed sine January 2019.

Councillor Shuttleworth said, “Anna is the real hero today. She helped to raise the awareness with the Post Office organisation of just how important a post office is to the wider Langney community.

“This was a long campaign and it so important to get our post office back. I wish Sholeh and Paul Williams every success with this venture.”

Sholeh has been involved in retail and customer service throughout her career, including working in a sweet shop, where she got the idea for her shop.

She said, “Customers are really happy to have a Post Office again.

“Many customers have just come out of shielding and they are really pleased to have a Post Office in their community, so they don’t have to travel.

“I really want to thank Anna Hooper, who was the lovely lady who was out in all-weathers getting over 5,000 signatures on a petition to get a post office here.”

The previous branch closed temporarily in January 2019 due to the resignation of the Postmaster.

Opening hours for the new Post Office are Monday to Saturday from 9am–5.30pm.

The service was originally planned to be opened earlier, but the Post Office says this was delayed due to on-site training for social distancing guidelines.

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