Seven post offices Mr Loughton's East Worthing and Shoreham constituency are set to be closed, with a further two in West Worthing, the constituency represented by Peter Bottomley.

In his 19 questions to the Rt Hon John Hutton MP, the secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform, Mr Loughton asks for answers on a number of key issues including:

Will views of local people will be given precedence over the strict criteria set out by the government?

What criteria is the government using to make sure people with disabilities or the elderly will have access to local post offices?

Has the impact on local business has been adequately considered?

Will the plans will be reversed if there is overwhelming public opposition?

What discussions took place before the closure plans were proposed?

The consultation is underway until Christmas.

Tim Loughton said: "In an area serving a considerable number of elderly people who rely on the service their local Post Office provides, it defies common sense to propose that seven are closed.

"Hot on the heels of the plans to strip our hospitals of vital services, now our post offices are under threat. This is madness.

"Already we have set up a petition both online and on paper.

"I will be presenting it to parliament and developing a strong response to the consultation which shows how much this is opposed."

Peter Bottomley added: "This is not the first time this has happened. West Worthing has already seen post offices close under previous plans, and now the cull seems to be growing with another two set for the axe.

"Now is the time to act to save your local post office to respond to the consultation or write to your MP."

What do you think?

How will you be affected by the post office closures?

What does your post office mean to you?

Let us know, comment in the space below.