A POST Office which was given a makeover just months ago has been earmarked for closure.

Campaigners have criticised the wasteful thinking of the Post Office who are proposing to “merge” the Western Road Crown Post Office in Hove with another branch half a mile away.

An energetic campaign to save the branch has already collected 4,000 signatures with author Peter James lending his high-profile support.

A public meeting chaired by Labour MP Peter Kyle is planned for next month to explore “creative ways” to keep the branch open.

The campaign was launched after the Post Office announced at the end of June it was starting a 12-week consultation on merger plans with a branch in Melville Road, Hove.

Post Office bosses claim the number of customers using the Western Road Crown Office has declined in recent years but campaigners told The Argus the branch remains very popular and busy.

A spokeswoman said she was unable to give a figure on the costs of the branch revamp carried out just last year because it was part of a larger refurbishment programme.

Brighton-born crime writer Peter James said he “wholeheartedly” supported the campaign to keep the branch “at the heart of the local community”.

He said: “If closed, then it would have disastrous consequences for local businesses and residents alike.

“The last thing we need is yet another coffee shop. Roy Grace would be appalled.”

Paul Sweetman, of neighbouring City Books, said the Melville Road Post Office was “unsuitable” while other alternative offices did not match the service currently offered at the under-threat branch.

Mr Kyle MP described the branch as the epitome of a “community post office” used and loved by local residents.

The MP will chair a community meeting on Monday August 17 from 7pm at Cornerstone Community Centre in Church Road, Hove.

He said: “I'm especially concerned that the more vulnerable, those without access to transport and the elderly will become poorly served.

“I'm conscious that people with children and those who commute will also have difficulty in accessing post office services if the closure goes ahead."

A Post Office spokeswoman said: “We’ve invested in Crown branches across our network including Western Road.

“However there has been an overall decline in customer numbers, which when combined with our operating costs means that unfortunately the branch is no longer commercially sustainable."

She added that there was “sufficient capacity” with four Post Office branches within a mile of Western Road and a further three branches within two miles.

To participate in the consultation visit postofficeviews.co.uk, email comments@postoffice.co.uk, call 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55 quoting 01090799.