THERE are calls for a public consultation after a war memorial was moved from inside Aberystwyth’s now-closed Crown Post Office to a “tiny room” in an industrial estate.
The Post Office has confirmed it has “moved and rededicated” the bronze plaque, which is dedicated to the men of the Aberystwyth Postal District who lost their lives in the First World War, in a “publicly accessible” part of Royal Mail’s Glanyrafon delivery office.
The Crown Post Office on Great Darkgate Street was closed and its services relocated to WHSmith in November last year, despite vehement opposition.
During the fight to oppose the move, concerns were raised about the future of the war memorial, with proposals to move it labelled “sacrilege”.
Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, former MP Mark Williams said there had been a lack of consultation over the memorial’s placement.
Mr Williams, who was MP during the fight to save the Post Office, said: “During the Post Office closure, when it became evident Royal Mail would be closing the branch on Great Darkgate Street, our priority became to save the memorial.
“We were told there is a precedent for this. Usually they would have an arrangement with Royal Mail and that they would talk to key stakeholders such as the Royal British Legion and town council.
“I was not consulted on the specifics and didn’t hear anything for months and months.
“The first thing I knew was that I had an invitation to attend the unveiling of the memorial in the Glanyrafon delivery office.”
When he arrived at the delivery office, Mr Williams said he was surprised to discover the memorial was placed in a “tiny room”.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “It is important that memorials continue to be accessible to the public and we have ensured this in Aberystwyth where the memorial was moved to the Royal Mail building in May, followed by a rededication ceremony there.”