Anger as Post Office closes major branch

A post office in the centre of an East Sussex seaside town is set to close although no final date has been set, it has been confirmed.

Post Office bosses announced on Tuesday that 108 of its last directly managed branches (DMB) would shut, including the Bexhill branch in Devonshire Square, as they are not generating enough profits.

It added this is part of its five-year "transformation plan to deliver a new deal for postmasters".

Alex Stallybrass, owner of Platform Two Records in the town, said the closure of Bexhill's Post Office was "sad" as the branch was "absolutely vital".

"We use the Post Office to make cash deposits and post orders to customers around the world," he said.

"Many businesses and charity shops take cash payments so the Post Office in Bexhill is absolutely vital."

Mr Stallybrass added the branch was an important service for elderly residents who are not familiar with using online services.

"With the recent closure of the Santander banking branch, and now the Post Office, I feel Bexhill is heading in a downward spiral," he added.

Fellow resident Lisa Smith said it was "devastating" for the town.

She added she often accesses the Post Office's services, such as help with filling out passport application forms and photocopying.

"Many people use the service, especially elderly people to pay bills," she added.

Howard Martin, president of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, added: "The closure of counter services at Bexhill's Post Office, on top of the closure of the Santander branch, is another tragedy for the town."

Dr Kieran Mullan, Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle, launched a campaign last year to convince Post Office bosses not to close the branch.

He told Radio Sussex: "It's difficult news for Bexhill. More than 4,000 people signed the petition and it proves there is a clear demand from Bexhill for that service."

Dr Mullan said questions remained regarding the Post Office's franchise plans for the town.

"We are unsure what the franchise will look like, where it will be and what services it will provide," he added.

"I will carry on working with everybody locally to put pressure on the Post Office so whatever comes next it's up to scratch."

A Post Office spokesperson said its last 108 DMBs would be franchised by the autumn.

"Communities that currently have a DMB in their area will continue to be able to access Post Office services either at, or near to, the same location," they added.

The Post Office said its DMBs generated "a loss of more than £40 million each year".

Nigel Railton, chairperson of the Post Office, said: "Moving to a fully franchised network helps create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office.

"We are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40 million worth of savings that will enable us to uplift postmasters' remuneration by up to 10%."

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