Sandra Ebrahimi asks why pensioners are "made" to go to a post office to collect their pensions in this age of electronic banking (Letters, January 29).

Well, Ms Ebrahimi, they are not. Pensioners with a bank account could have their pension automatically paid into it.

The fact so many still choose to make that trip up the road is testament to the importance of the local post office as a community focal point.

For older people living alone it is a way of breaking out of their isolation.

Also, the trip to collect the pension is combined with using other local shops, so it benefits the local economy.

That's why the Post Office must re-open Kemp Town post office forthwith.

-Andy Richards, Hove