Plans to close a village post office in Sussex have been met with criticism from local residents.

A man in Sussex is campaigning against plans to close a local village shop and post office.

People in the area may have to seek post office alternatives as a planning application to turn the site in West Hoathly into a three-bedroom house has been put forward.

However, the move has inspired local Richard Ward to send a letter of objection to Mid Sussex District Council.

According to the East Grinstead Courier and Observer, the letter claimed the change would "rip the heart" out of the area.

He told the newspaper: "I have lived in West Hoathly and Sharpthorne for over 20 years and in that time seen all the amenities that have served West Hoathly close one-by-one."

Last week, a study by the National Audit Office was critical of the government's recent post office closure programme as it left some villages without postal services.

Article Added: 08/06/2009 09:36:13