Post Office staff in Burgess Hill fear the town could lose its main branch.

The post office, which is run as a franchise by the Co-op, closed its supermarket in December and there are now fears it will not renew its lease when it runs out in October.

The nine staff are all employed by the Co-op.

They are concerned homewares store B-wise will close the post office when it takes the building over on June 15.

One worker said: "We thought it was going to happen but we only found out through the people laying the floor for B-wise.

"They said they are working until October, when they've got to come back to finish the job after we've gone.

"I think the Co-op could have been fairer and sent someone to tell us.

"It is lack of information. What we will get and how it will be done we don't know.

"I think it is the older generation who are going to find it difficult."

Gill Balsdon, chairman of Burgess Hill Town Council, said: "We need a post office in the town centre. I cannot believe the Post Office would think of withdrawing.

"It's a valuable facility for the town. There are sub-post offices here but a town centre post office is vital."

A Post Office spokesman said: "We can't speculate on whether B-wise will be taking over the franchise. They have until Friday to let us know.

"If they don't, we'll definitely be looking to find alternative premises."

A spokesman for the Co-op was unable to comment on whether the staff would be made redundant.

He said: "It is all dependent on whether the Post Office finds someone to take over or not."

A spokeswoman for B-wise was unable to reveal if the company would keep the post office open.