That was the message given at a meeting to save Bexhill's at-risk post offices organised by town MP Gregory Barker.

Mr Barker met with campaigners in Devonshire Square before marching to St Andrew's Church, in Wickham Avenue, to discuss the proposals.

Bexhill branches are expected to be axed in the government move to close 2,500 post offices.

The MP and other speakers advised people on the best way to protest against the cuts.

Mr Barker said: "It is a community service. It is wrong for any politician to think this is an issue that can be taken in isolation from the community around it.

"I was shocked and appalled that, despite the consultation period, some post offices have already been ear-marked for closure.

"It makes a sham of the consultation process.

"I want to make sure that when the consultation process starts later this month everyone in Bexhill knows about it and makes sure their voice is heard very, very clearly and that the Post Office cannot slip through the consultation period and then announce their plans for closures.

"This meeting today is an example of how much we care about the post office network."

The consultation period naming the branches which may close begins on November 16 and lasts for six weeks.

Members of the public were reminded to sign petitions which can be found in sub-post offices and on the MP's website.

They were also advised to write individual letters to the Post Office as they, 'carry more weight.'