Union bosses have slammed consultation over the possible closure of a post office in Eastbourne as an "utter sham".

Last week we reported how Post Office bosses had agreed to extend public consultation over the proposed closure of the Upperton Road branch until the middle of next month.

But members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents hundreds of Post Office staff, are unimpressed with the way the consultation has been handled.

They are calling for a complete U-turn on closure.

Ian Ward, CWU representative, said: "So far the so-called consultation has been a complete sham.

"By extending the consultation period we hope that a process will now take place whereby Post Office seriously listens to and takes into account the relevant views of the members of the public and other organisations who use the Upperton Road Post Office."

Local people have staged protests and raised petitions and many shops are displaying a "Don't KO the PO" poster.

The town's politicians have waded in, with a Lib Dem campaign and recent delegation for talks with Post Office bosses led by Tory MP Nigel Waterson.

Sub-post offices in Avard Crescent, Church Street and Compton Street are also facing closure. Post Office chiefs say that could improve the long-term prospects of other branches in the area.

Mr Ward said: "These closures will put extra pressure on the Terminus Road Crown Post Office, which is at present already working to full capacity.

"Does the Post Office really care about postal counter services in the Eastbourne area?"