Union leaders are seeking urgent talks with Post Office bosses after they decided to close four branches in Eastbourne.

Officials at the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) said they were dismayed by the decision, which was taken despite huge opposition.

Thousands objected, with one petition carrying more than 11,000 signatures.

However, the main Upperton Road branch will shut on February 7 despite fears its closure will cause businesses to suffer.

Branches in Avard Crescent, Church Street and Compton Street will close in December, while one in Whitley Road shut last month.

The CWU will now be writing to Kevin Ray, area head at Post Office Ltd, and watchdog Postwatch about the decision.

Post Office Ltd has said the Terminus Road branch will be able to deal with customers unable to use the Upperton Road branch.

They are planning improvements, including installing three extra serving positions.

CWU regional representative Ian Ward said: "We believe the proposal to install only three extra serving positions will be totally inadequate."

Many campaigners believe decisions were reached long before it was put to the public and before Post Office chiefs addressed a meeting to defend their plans.

Opponents are still being urged to keep the pressure up by writing to Mr Ray, Post Office chairman Allan Leighton and Eastbourne Tory MP Nigel Waterson.

Post Office Ltd blamed falling customer numbers and rising running costs for the decision.

Monday November 10, 2003