Barker backs Collington post office

Mr Barker visited Derek and Jill Williams, who run the post office, to pledge his support.

He believes the branch is a profitable and popular business and has criticised moves to close it down.

Dozens of other branches in Sussex have been axed by the Post Office in a cost-cutting measure - including Bexhill's London Road branch.

Collington Mansions has been given a 'stay of execution' while a review is carried out by consumer group Post Watch.

Mr Barker said he will approach the Post Office for figures to show any closure would be unnecessary and not based on financial considerations.

He said: "It is clear that Collington Mansions is a vibrant and, I believe, profitable business, that has been ear-marked for closure simply because the Post Office in London is trying to reach an arbitrary number of closures.

"I am going to try to get the Post Office to release full figures which will give a true picture of the profitablility of this very well used branch and which I believe will give the lie to any decision to close Collington Mansions."