Post office closure bid is slammed

The Post Office announced in July that its branches in Crabtree Lane and Sompting Road, Lancing, and Busticle Lane, Sompting, could shut as part of a nationwide re-structuring programme.

Residents had until August 29 to write to the Post Office with their opinions about the possible closures.

Adur council leader Neil Parkin told the Herald: "Lancing and Sompting have many elderly residents and the post offices provide a vital service. We are concerned at the prospect of losing these important local services, particularly for less mobile residents and poorer members of the community."

The council has written to the Post Office expressing its objections. The council said many elderly and disabled residents would be affected and pointed out the nearest post office to the Busticle Lane branch was in North Lancing, more than a mile away. To get to there, residents would have to cross the A27 and the nearest crossing was half a mile away.

Lancing Parish Council has also written to the Post Office, objecting.

A Post Office spokesman said no decision had been made about the future of the branches. The spokesman added they always consulted with residents and organisations like Age Concern about proposed closures.