NEWS that Easebourne post office is to close was confirmed last week, one of many small branches across the country to fall victim to the latest round of 'consultations' on the post office network. Owners of the village post office Sharon and Alex Christou, who have owned the business since August 2004, said they would continue to run the shop, but survival would depend on continued support from Easebourne people. Last day for post office business will be Wednesday, May 21. The loss of the post office counter will also mean postmistress Barbara Gray will be out of a job after 11 years of service. Mrs Christou said: "We value her as an employee, she is a great worker and everyone will be sad to see her go. "A lot of people around here are very upset about it." Mrs Christou, who was told of the decision in a phone call, has now posted official notices in the window informing customers. "Once we knew we were one of those proposed to close, we thought we would be, but we have tried our hardest to save it, along with all the letters and petitions. We now have five weeks to pack up." Although the decision was expected, Mrs Christou said: "As a post office we know they are closing us down because of where we are in relation to the next post office – we are a mile from Midhurst – but I don't think they have looked at how busy we are. There are always customers, and as far as I know we are not losing money as a branch." Mrs Christou and her husband are determined to keep the village store side of the business going. Customers are being surveyed to find out how they would like to see the vacant counterspace used. There is popular support for a fresh food counter, serving bread, diary and meat products. The couple will also bid for a West Sussex County Council rural business support grant. Easebourne Parish Council, together with villagers, organised letters and hundreds of signatures for a petition against the closure and said in a statement on the village web site: "The parish council regrets that The Post Office Ltd have confirmed the planned closure of Easebourne post office. "The shop will of course remain open so please continue to support the local shop." The latest round of cuts comes after a Government led consultation in response to fewer people using branches, partly because traditional services, including benefit payments and other services, are now available online or directly through bank accounts. In making the announcement, the Post Office acknowledged: "Submissions were received from Easebourne Parish Council, the Mole Valley Conservatives and Chichester District Council. Respondents' main concerns related to the difficulty of travelling to, and parking at, the closest alternative branches, as well as the perceived long waiting times at these branches. "Respondents also raised concerns relating to the effect of the proposed closure on elderly customers and the community in general. Respondents praised the current service provided by Easebourne branch. "Post Office Limited has considered the existence of the residential care home in Easebourne, the cost of public transport between Easebourne branch and the closest alternative branches, planned new developments in the local area, the likely effect of the proposed closure on the local economy and the overall impact on the elderly population of the area. "Post Office Limited also considered all feedback received during the local public consultation for this branch, including a petition received by the parish council." But the response said Midhurst post office is less than one mile from Easebourne branch, offers more services and has longer opening hours. A regular bus service operates between the branches, with concessionary fare schemes for elderly and disabled passengers with disabled access on some of these bus services. There is some roadside parking available outside the Midhurst branch. Alternatively, free parking is available in a large car park at the end of Midhurst High Street.