Post Office Closure Programme | "The end of a national post office network coming ever closer"

12.00.00am GMT Tue 15th Jan 2008

Post Office network in Gwent to be cut back

More than twenty-five community post offices in Gwent will close under plans announced today by Post Office Limited. The plans were described by a leading member of the National Assembly for Wales as "a hammer blow for local communities" and as "bringing an end of a national post office network ever closer".

Post Office Limited is reviewing their network of local community Post Offices under instruction from the Labour Government to close 2,500 branches across the country.

Michael German, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales, speaking from the National Assembly described the proposals "as worse than expected". He said that, "this policy is being driven by no one else than the Labour Government in London demanding that the Post Office search out and find 2,500 branches to cull because of their own policies.

"The Government has systemically taken business away from the Post Office network and has ensured that local community post offices wither away and die out. They have no plan or vision for the future post office. At this rate of closures, soon there will only be Post Offices in major towns."

"Labour has caused this mess by their own actions by driving local branches into financial despair: sub postmasters have had to just sit and see their business reduce and reduce with no real interest or concern from the Government responsible for the results of their plans."

Six branches are due to close in Blaenau Gwent, with two each in Ebbw Vale, Abertillery and Tredegar; seven in Monmouthshire, with two being replaced by an outreach service and one Post office recently closed in December now not being re-opened; four in Newport and four in Torfaen, all in the Pontypool area.

The Public consultation will now last for six weeks and Post Office limited will seek views on the proposed future of the network and closures in Gwent. Local Post offices are due to close from April 2008 onwards.