The fourth post office to close in Castle Point this year has locked its doors for the last time.
Fury erupted after it was confirmed in October that the post office, in Rayleigh Road, Benfleet, would shut.
Benfleet councillor Bill Dick believes the closure is a great inconvenience for residents.
He said: "Too many is the view of the Post Office as a business. But I don't think people look at it like that. Residents go there for a service, whether to collect their pensions or family allowance, near to where they live. This decision might be good for business but you have got to think of the people who use these facilities, and they feel safer in their own locality.
"We have always had these many post offices, why is it too many now?"
The Post Office explained the decision was made because of a lack of customers.
A spokesman said: "This closure is part of our network reinvention programme.
"It only affects urban post offices without enough customers. "
Published Wednesday November 26, 2003
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