Cross Keys Post Office set to close

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A CROSS Keys post office will close on February 24, with the postmaster admitting it has become impossible for him to make a living.

Mohammad Mujahid has run the post office alongside a grocery shop and off-licence for 13 years, but decided to close, citing the Post Office's decision to cut his yearly rate - the amount given to him by the Post Office - as the final straw.

He also said customer numbers have dropped by a half in the last few years, with people doing business online and shopping at supermarkets.

Mr Mujahid said the Post Office cut his rate by £300 this year and claims he is now getting less than when he started in 1998.

He receives £1,700 a week from the Post Office to run two counters. But, after paying electricity, other bills plus his two counter staff and two part-time staff £1,000 in wages, he says there is nothing left for himself.

The 55-year-old describes the last five years as a "nightmare", saying: "Bills have doubled in the last few years and the Post Office have been cutting down and cutting down. It's just not worth it any more. It's a big responsibility, with many different transactions, but I'm just not making any money at all."

While he owns the building, Mr Mujahid decided to hand his resignation in and try and find other business opportunities.

He said: "It's not just the Post Office's fault, people are simply not coming any more."

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said it doesn't comment on funding to post offices but field change adviser Kath Alexander apologised to customers that Cross Keys will "temporarily" be without a post office.

She said: ""I would like to assure everyone that it remains our intention to keep a post office service in Cross Keys and we are currently investigating the options."

Ms Alexander urged residents to use post offices in Risca and Cwmcarn and appealed for a new postmaster.

If you have access to premises in the area and are interested, email consultation@postiffice.co.uk