Government policy forces closure of local Post Offices

12.00.00am GMT Mon 29th Oct 2007

Michael outside the threatened Post Office at Quaker's Yard

The comprehensive Post Office network in the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency is coming to an end, claims a senior member of the National Assembly for Wales, as the UK Government instructs the Post Office to closes five offices in the area.

Michael German AM, local Assembly member and leader of the Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly for Wales was speaking after visiting some of the Post Offices that have been earmarked for closure: "These Post Offices provide key local services."

Community Post Offices in Quaker's Yard, Abercanaid, Brithdir near New Tredegar, Jerusalem Street in Rhymney and Merthyr Vale in the village's Station Square have been identified by the Post Office Company for closure due to the UK Government's policy to close up to 2,500 branches across the country.

"This really is the death knell for a comprehensive, local Post Office network and this news for the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney areas shows just how deep the cuts are going to be", said Mr. German.

Amy Kitcher, of the Merthyr Liberal Democrats, who has been running a campaign against Post Office closures for several months added, "These proposals will cause untold upheaval for the most vulnerable in our community. The Post Office closure programme has been driven by the Labour Government's insistence that a minimum number of branches must close with no regard for local circumstances."

Miss Kitcher added that the proposals for the area will see the elderly being hit the hardest: "We're getting to a stage when those without a car will no longer be able to access basic community services such as collecting pensions and making payments at the Post Office. The days of a comprehensive Post Office network are coming to an end. Local communities are now being asked to cross a river, a main road or a mountain to get to their local Post Office"

The Post Office has said there will be a consultation period on their earmarked closures for the area. Mr. German said, "We are consulting on closures, not on how the Post office network develops in the 21st century. The Labour Government has already made up its mind and is determined to drive this programme through, riding rough shod over local opinion and community need."

Mr. German and local campaigners have already visited some of the Post Offices earmarked for closure at Quaker's Yard and at Abercanaid and will visit other branches affected in the area."

A new on-line petition has been set up for people to register their opposition to the planned post offices closures at:

www.savemerthyrspostoffices.co.uk

NOTES:

• Caption for attached picture P1000942. JPG "Michael German outside Quaker's Yard Post Office earmarked for closure under the Government's closure programme."

• Closure programme proposed was issued by Post Office Ltd, Network Change Programme "Area Plan Proposal for Cardiff and Glamorgan Valleys"

• Each Area Local Plan Proposal is subject is subject to local public consultation to ensure that the views of the local people are taken into account before any final decisions are made by Post Office Ltd.

• Local public consultation on the Area Plan Proposal for Cardiff and Glamorgan Valleys will commence on October 30th, 2007.

• The local public consultation will last for a period of six weeks and the closing date for feedback is December 10th, 2007. Residents are asked for views and comments in writing regarding the future access to the Post Office services in this area to the following address. Please note that respondent's comments will not be kept confidential unless you expressly ask the Post Office to do so clearly marking them 'In Confidence'.

• Address for replies:

Steve Geraty

Network Development Manager

c/o National Consultation Scheme

FREEPOST CONSUTATION SCHEME

E-mail: consultation@postoffice.co.uk

Customer helpline: 0845 7 22 33 44