Threat to rural post offices in West Sussex

Between 1999 and 2005, 117 rural post offices have been closed across Sussex. Of these two were in Arundel and South Downs constituency, three in Bognor and Littlehampton, five in Chichester, six in Crawley, six in Horsham, seven in Mid Sussex, eight in East Worthing and Shoreham, seven in West Worthing and 15 in Wealden district.

Many isolated areas rely totally on their post offices. They are a lifeline and social hub for elderly people without transport, many of whom have never had a bank account. In Sussex 38,450 older people still access their pensions through the Post Office Card account.

The tiny Wiston Post Office Stores and thriving tearooms near Steyning is a typical exampleof a rural service.

The business is a family affair, owned by Debbie Johnson and her sister Pam Kennett, with Pam's daughter Zoe Fricker running the post office.

Zoe previously worked for HSBC for 13 years, but trained to take over the tiny post office, which is open in the mornings, so that her mother and aunt could devote their time to the tearooms.

"We are a lifeline for local people in surrounding cottages and farms. The post office is not very busy but it is vital for the community.Many people have never had bank accounts, but they use the Post Office Card Account and come in like clockwork each week. I know exactly what everyone wants."

For full story see West Sussex Gazette October 25