Post Office Closure Programme in Torfaen | "Pontypool hit by Post Office Closures "

12.00.00am GMT Tue 15th Jan 2008

Pontypool set to lose four Post Offices

A further four community post offices in Torfaen 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 is 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 Westminster Government to close 2,500 branches across the country.

Local campaigners in Torfaen described the proposals as "axing the network of post offices to the point that the only access will be driving into the major towns in Torfaen."

Michael German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, speaking from the National Assembly described the proposals "as worse than expected". He said that, "Pontypool is hit particularly hard with four branches closing Pentwyn Terrace, Penygarn, Pontnewynydd and Penygraig Terrace. This will cause further harm to local communities and increase the need for people to jump in their cars to get into Pontypool."

"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."

The remaining Post office network for the Pontypool area will see Griffithstown and New Inn remain open as well as Abersychan, Blaenavon, Forgeside, Garndiffaith, Osbourne Road in Pontypool, Trevethin and Talywain.

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.