Lib Dem Mr Potter collected 150 signatures protesting against the proposed closure of the sub-post office, and more were forthcoming from door-to-door calls.

"There is very high feeling in the ward that people are going to lose their post office.

"Local residents will be forced to travel some distance to the nearest post office at Limbrick Corner, Palatine Road or George V Avenue if this one is closed," said Mr Potter.

"Both these alternative post offices are already very busy and not within easy walking distance for the elderly, and not practical for one-parent or low-income families who cannot afford the additional cost for public transport, many of whom rely on the Strand post office."

Mr Potter said the closure would have a "devastating, knock-on" effect on shopkeepers at Strand Parade.

Three other Worthing sub-post offices also face the axe.

They are Heene Road, Downlands, and The Parade in Broadwater Road.

Representatives from Post Office Ltd will be quizzed on the first round of proposed closures to affect West Sussex.

The county council's strategic environmental services select committee meets on Wednesday, December 5, and the closure programme will be one of the main agenda items.

Also to be quizzed will be representatives from Postwatch, the independent watchdog for postal services.

Conclusions from the meeting will help form part of the county council's overall response to the Post Office public consultation, which closes on Monday, December 24.

The meeting will be held in public, but members of the public will not be able to speak or ask questions.

For further information, or to see a copy of the meeting agenda, visit the county council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk