Operating 51 hours of post office service a week (different times during the pandemic), the modern, open-plan premises provides all the standard counter services with four serving positions, and the same wide range of Post Office products and services are available, including banking services for personal customers and small businesses.
Hailsham Town Council is believed to be the first council in the UK to operate a post office.
Town Clerk and Postmaster John Harrison said: “We’re delighted to have helped the local community by taking over the post office franchise three years ago. Not only did the Town Council save the much-needed post office services in the town centre by doing so, but we can say with confidence that we built a brilliant and modern new branch, conveniently located for local businesses and residents, especially the elderly who often rely heavily on ease of access to local post office services.”
“It’s a rare thing for a town to run its own post office, but by agreeing to take over the franchise for the town centre branch in 2018, we ensured that the essential service every resident deserves was safeguarded.”
The town centre post office received much positive feedback from residents during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic last year in response to a social media post published on a local community page, highlighting the fact that Hailsham residents have reacted in an appreciative manner, praising staff for their excellent customer service and the post office’s willingness to remain open during the lockdowns as an essential community asset:
“As it’s a local post office in a town I’ve loved my whole life, you get to know the staff. They are always friendly and willing to help, especially after the recent relocation of premises.”
“Despite the current situation we find ourselves in, the staff are friendly and helpful. They are happy to provide the service and info we need. They are handling the social distancing well and not really letting it effect what they are doing.”
“Staff are doing their best under difficult circumstances. Always helpful polite and friendly.”
“Checking service was a great facility. Knowledgeable staff too.”
“Lovely friendly staff, not too busy. Social distancing observed.”
“Always very pleasant staff, who are extremely knowledgeable. Everyone is respecting social distancing.”
“Taking all measures to assure that we and those who work there stay safe. Also always greeted with a smile!”
“The staff are pleasant, helpful and friendly…. and are a very valued part of our community.”
Positive feedback was also received for the sub post office located in Hawkswood Road in north Hailsham.
“I’m delighted that the public have commended the Town Council’s post office staff and are appreciative of our efforts to keep the post office open during the pandemic as an essential community facility,” said town councillor Mary Laxton, who helped to actively campaign for saving the post office and securing the franchise.
“The post office service is going really well since it re-opened in 2019 and people still praise the Town Council three years on for taking over the franchise and saving the community facility, and secondly, for remaining open during the various lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.”
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk