The predicted closure of more than 80 post offices across Sussex will be a kick in the teeth for the elderly population.

Post offices provide a multitude of services, as well as mail delivery for the public, from bill payments to pensions.

It is vital they are suitably located, particularly so the elderly and those with mobility problems can access them easily.

Consignia, which owns the Post Office, is trying to stave off huge losses and has previously announced up to 3,000 urban post offices will have to close.

People did not realise how many post offices within Sussex, and specifically Brighton and Hove, this would impact on.

Smaller post offices have seen trade fall in recent years and it is understandable that Consignia would wish to lose less profitable premises.

But individual post offices provide a community benefit, which will be impossible to replace once they are closed.

We could understand a handful of loss-making operations across the city being shut if necessary. But axing 20 outlets seems extraordinarily high in an urban population of 250,000.

We would call on Consignia to keep as many premises as possible in Brighton and Hove and urban areas across Sussex.

We would also ask residents to support their local post offices and make the most of the services on offer. Because once they are gone, they will be gone for good.