Mail closure will 'improve efficiency'

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ROYAL Mail are insisting their decision to axe Llandovery Delivery Office will "improve efficiency and reduce costs".

The High Street office will close its doors on Monday (March 7), bringing an end to a facility which has been in the Towy Valley town for over 70 years.

From Monday all of Llandovery's mail will be handled from Llandeilo.

The move has been condemned by county councillor Ivor Jackson who has questioned how much money will be saved.

And town councillor Ann Hughes has also expressed her disappointment.

"We should never have lost this facility," she said. "And make no mistake, it is a big loss for the town."

But Royal Mail Delivery Sector Manager Darren Gregory, said: "The challenges facing Royal Mail since the opening up of the postal market and the increasing number of competitors vying for business customers requires us to improve efficiency and reduce costs, in order to secure future business and jobs."

He maintained the move would also improve the working environment for staff moving from Llandovery to Llandeilo.

There will be no compulsory redundancies and staff will be reimbursed by Royal Mail for any excess travel incurred by the move.

Mr Gregory added: "We always consult with our staff and the Communication Workers Union before making a decision and we are confident that the Llandovery office move is the correct one for both our people and our business."

He said a collection of items was being arranged from the main Post Office branch in Llandovery - although sub-postmaster Robin Ennion disclosed last week that nothing had been finalised.