This report presents the results of an impact study undertaken by the University of Chichester and commissioned by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) considering the social, economic and environmental impact of the post office closure programme (Network Change) across the county.
This final report is significant in that the evidence presented relates only to what has happened as a consequence of Post Office closure rather than what people fear might happen. The focus is, of course, on how the loss of a local branch is experienced but these findings also emphasise the importance of understanding the role of receiving branches.
The overall research framework adopted used a case study approach, employing a range of research methods to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Six case study locations were identified to ensure a range of neighbourhood types, each focussing on one Post Office branch that had been closed down.
In addition to exploring the consequences of closure, the report also makes recommendations on what actions local authorities within West Sussex might take to mitigate the impact on the businesses and residents within the communities affected.
The report concludes that, in the long term, the interests of residents and businesses are best served by a sustainable post office network and that this will require concerted effort by POL, local authorities and the business and residential communities they serve working together. The alternative total breakdown in the network would be far more costly in social, economic and environmental terms.