Coldean post office becomes 'community hub'

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Coldean post office has been awarded a grant to open a charity shop and community hub.

The branch is one of 25 across the country that have been chosen as recipients of £10,000 from the Community Enterprise Fund for their plans to help support local people, businesses and to tackle isolation amongst the elderly.

The planned community hub will advertise local events and hold after school events for children, with all proceeds of the adjoining charity shop going to children and young people's services in Coldean itself.

The shop itself will be volunteer-run and will offer opportunities for the Women's Group and Community Forum to use their facilities.

Trevor Hotton, at Coldean Post Office said: “I am delighted to receive this funding, which I know will go a long way towards helping improve our branch's offer of support and services to our customers.”

Other winning proposals included providing free Wi-Fi access and IT training and developing community apps and websites.

Paul Vennells, Post Office Chief Executive said: “The Post Office is at the heart of communities across the country and our sub-postmasters understand how they can make a real impact on their customers' lives.”

Coldean Post Office staff said anyone who has questions or wants to get involved should pop into the branch and find out more.

Meanwhile, Uckfield post office is set to relocate to WH Smith 200 metres up the town's High Street.

The current branch will close at 5.30pm on January 29, with the new open-plan branch opening at 9am the following day.

Post bosses say the move will see opening hours extended by nine-and-a-half hours per week with service on Sundays.

They add that there will be improved accessibility with an automatic door, low-level serving counter and writing desk.