Regrettably, Hassocks Post Office will close on Saturday 1st August. Morrisons have made the difficult decision to close several stores, and this includes the Hassocks shop and closure of the Hassocks Post Office branch.
Alison Bennett, the MP for Mid Sussex, was concerned to learn that the Post Office located within Morrisons in Hassocks is set to close as she understands that many people in our community still depend on traditional postal services. She has been in contact with both Morrisons and Post Office Ltd to raise these concerns and says: “In my meetings, I made it clear that while I understood the closure of the Morrisons store was ultimately a commercial decision, it is essential that access to Post Office services is protected.”
She continues: “I am pleased that Post Office Ltd has reassured me of its commitment to maintaining provision in Hassocks.” Post Office Ltd has advertised for interested local businesses to come forward and they told Alison last week that they have had a number of applicants, who they are now starting to assess. Alison thinks this is a positive news. She is hopeful that Hassocks should have a post office in the village once again although there will be a period of a few months when Morrisons closes before any new operator is appointed. Alison is keeping in close contact with Post Offices Ltd throughout this process.
At present, the nearest alternative post office branches are Ditchling (BN6 8TT), Burgess Hill (RH15 9BQ). If you are walking, it is just over a mile along Keymer Rd to the Ditchling branch, but be aware, this is not all along easy pavements.
The Ditchling branch is open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 6pm on weekdays, from 8am to 3pm on Saturdays, and from 8am to noon on Sunday mornings. The Burgess Hill branch is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays and Saturday morning until 1pm. Access to the Burgess Hill branch is level while there are steps at the entrance to the Ditchling premises. Both branches have car parks nearby, and local buses service the surrounding area. For full opening hours and the latest available branch information can be found at www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder
Maureen, who has worked at Hassocks Post Office for almost 13 years, says: “I will miss my customers and I wish everybody well.” After 37 years working for the Post Office, Maureen is looking forward to spending time with her family during retirement.