That is the message to post office bosses from the Central Mid Sussex County Local Committee.

Chairman John de Mierre has written to Royal Mail Group chief executive Adam Crozier protesting at plans to close both the America Lane (New England Road) branch and Franklands Village post offices.

In the letter highlighting their concerns they make the points:

• America Lane: Although this post office is not too distant from the main Haywards Heath Post Office, the area it serves is one of the more deprived in West Sussex and withdrawal of services will affect a community where there is a considerable elderly population.

Car ownership is also much lower in this area than wealthier neighborhoods and the bus service is limited. There would be considerable loss of amenity should this office be closed. If a decision were to be taken to close this office, then priority should be given to providing key services through perhaps a mobile service, if possible.

• Franklands Village: This office serves a considerable part of eastern Haywards Heath as well as rural areas such as Scaynes Hill and its loss would be a very considerable loss of a valued amenity. The post office has a high weekly level of transactions and with the attached shop provides a community centre.

The withdrawal of one could jeopardise the other. There is parking provision so users in a wide area do not have to travel to the town centre of Haywards Heath, shortening car journeys and over all traffic in the town. Franklands Village itself is not a wealthy area and is the location for two old peoples homes and its residents are highly dependent on this office. In summary, its loss would be serious.

He goes on to say: "One matter of general concern is that a number of older people rely on the Post Office in their area and whilst it is true some things can now be done online, not every person has a PC and many elderly people don't have Internet access.

"The closures will not only inconvenience people it will mean that more people will have to make increased journeys by car or other forms of transport."

Post Offices, he said, were the hub of many local communities.
He said: "The unanimous feelings of my colleagues is that to close these vitally important outlets would be detrimental to the communities they serve so well."