MP backs campaign to replace post office service

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ISLWYN'S MP has backed a campaign for a new Post Office in Pontllanfraith after more than 440 people signed a petition calling for the service to be replaced.

Councillors Mike Adams, Colin Gordon and Gez Kirby have been campaigning over the past four weeks following the closure of a Post Office on Commercial Street and Fleur De Lys Avenue, in nearby Penllwyn.

Chris Evans MP has now thrown his support behind calls to bring the service back and is set to deliver the petition to the Post Office chief executive later this week.


Mr Evans MP said: “I am very pleased to have received this petition from residents who are very deeply concerned because they have no local Post Office. The number of signatures are a testament to the strength of local feeling about this important issue.

“I will be doing everything I can on their behalf to ensure that the Post Office listens and acts quickly to restore the crucial services the people of Pontllanfraith need and deserve.”

Out of the total 444 signatures, 258 were by hand with 186 submitted online.

Cllr Kirby, who fears the effect of online services on local high streets, said: “The closure of the two Post Office branches has forced many people in my community, including those with mobility issues, to travel further and further to use their services.

“Both branches were popular and we are grateful for the number of signatures we gathered, even in the rain which shows how strong demand is.

"People without the internet feel disconnected and we need to stop that from happening by having a face-to-face Post Office in the village.”