The plan to reorganise branches will destroy the Parklands community, say residents.

Having walked from Parklands to the next nearest post office in West Street, Cllr Louise Goldsmith spoke of her concerns about the proposals.
"It took me 25 minutes at a brisk walk, and would certainly take an elderly person with a Zimmer frame much longer," she said.

"Apparently, the two branches are only 0.89 miles apart, but I know that it's over a mile."

The Parklands branch not only provides postal services but is also a newsagent's, offering residents their day-to-day essentials.

Liz Spears, of Parklands, said shopping would become a whole lot harder.
"People will pick up their pension from West Street but will then have to get their food elsewhere," she said.

"There isn't a butcher or baker nearby, whereas Parklands is convenient – everything is there."

Cllr Goldsmith shared this view, claiming buying things daily at The Ridgeway perfectly suits people shopping on a small budget.

"Parklands is unique, you can get everything without visiting the supermarket," she said.

"This is going to disadvantage the elderly."

Ms Spears, who also walked from Parklands to the town centre, said the issue was not only the distance but also safety.

"We had to cross roundabouts, some with four exits, and at the largest we had to use the pelican crossing," she said.

"It's okay for us youngsters but it's a different matter for the elderly."

The following branches would close if plans are approved: Aldwick Street, Aldwick; Barrack Lane, Aldwick; Hawthorn Road, Bognor Regis; Station Road, Bognor Regis; Sadlers Walk, East Street, Chichester; The Ridgeway, Parklands, Chichester; Easebourne Street, Easebourne; Gordon Avenue, South Bersted; Four Seasons Country Store, Rockwood Road, West Wittering.

The following branches would be replaced by an 'outreach solution': Compton, Graffham, Redford and West Dean.