Councillors have launched a campaign to save a post office from closure.
Kemp Town ward councillors Gary Wilkinson and Theresa Mackey said the news that the branch in St George's Road, Kemp Town, Brighton will close on October 28 has left the community “shocked, saddened and angry”.
A Post Office spokesman said the postmaster had resigned and the company is currently “investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community”.
The vacancy will soon be advertised, the spokesman said.
But the councillors have expressed their deep concerns at the loss of the branch.
“St George’s Road Post Office is a busy branch that meets the needs of thousands of local people every year. We are therefore extremely concerned to learn about the post office closure, which sits at the heart of the local community,” they said.
Cllr Wilkinson has written to the area manager of the Post Office seeking a meeting to discuss the closure and ways to keep a postal service in Kemp Town.
The councillors have also launched a petition.
Cllr Wilkinson said the post office is a “lifeline” for many residents, especially the elderly.
In his letter he wrote: “I am deeply concerned by the impact this closure will have on local residents and businesses who depend heavily on the post office.
“Not only is it the centre of the local community but people rely on its services every day. Not everyone has access to online services, especially elderly and vulnerable residents.
“I appreciate the intent and assurance that you are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.
“As part of this process, can I suggest a meeting between yourselves and the local councillors to discuss how we can help resolve this issue without losing this vital service and to discuss a way forward with community engagement. I am optimistic that we can find a way to keep this service in Kemptown and look forward to working with you to achieve this before it has a significant impact on people’s daily lives.”
He urged the Post Office to “act now” before people are significantly impacted.
“Not everyone has access to online services, especially elderly and vulnerable residents, so I am urging the Post Office to act now before it has a significant impact on people’s daily lives,” he said.
The closest alternative Post Office provision after the closure will be at 20 St James’s Street and at 1B-2B Whitehawk Road, Kemp Town.
Cllr Mackey said residents will struggle without the branch.
“Not everyone has a car or is able to easily travel to the nearest post office which will make accessing services much harder,” she said.
“We will be collecting signatures outside the Post Office and in the area over the next few days.”
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