Landport decision goes into extra-time

12.08.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 29th Jan 2008

David Gray illustrating the queues expected outside the main post office in Lewes.

The next few weeks will be nailbiting for local campaigners as the decision on the closure of Landport post office is delayed by the Post Office. Following a massive campaign led by local activist David Gray, the Post Office are to spend more time deliberating the closure of the Landport branch.

David says "We sent hundreds of letters, thousands of petition signatures and gathered pages of evidence to object to the closure. This appears to have bought us some extra time, but we are still nervous about the outcome. I would like to say thank you to all the local people who have taken action to oppose this closure."

41 of the proposed closures in Sussex have been confirmed with only a few remaining for further consideration. Lewes District Council has offered to waive rent and rates on the branch, which may have led the Post Office to give the decision extra-time.

Local MP Norman Baker met with senior officials at both the Post Office and Royal Mail in a bid to ward off the proposed closure of the Landport post office, as well as leading a delegation to Downing Street last month to pressure the government to reconsider the closures.

Norman says: "This is a long-distance raise but the strength of the campaign in Landport, and the commitment of the District Council to save this vital community resource has forced the Post Office to think twice."