NO SERVICES FOR MILES AFTER AXE

Shock at Post Office closure

Hopes remain Royal Mail will be back:

A COMMUNITY leader has described the loss of a town’s Post Office as a ‘massive blow.’

Amwlch’s branch closed its doors on Saturday after the premises was “withdrawn from use” according to a spokesman.

The Post Office is now understood to be seeking alternative arrangements to provide a service in future.

Customers were only informed of the closure on Thursday, weeks after HSBC said customers could use the branch to access their accounts after the bank’s planned closure in April.

The Mail understands the decision to close the Post Office branch is “personal” although officials declined to comment further. It means locals will face a five mile drive to the nearest full-time post office.

Ynys Mon Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Although the Post Office says its determined to restore a service at the ‘earliest opportunity’, it’s very disappointing that this could not have been resolved earlier.

“I’ll be keeping up the pressure on the Post Office to find a new provider as soon as possible – this is a service that Amlwch cannot do without.”

A Post Office spokesman said: “Customers should be assured that we are committed to retaining services in Amlwch.

“Our local field team are already working hard to identify ways which will enable us to provide a service in the future.

“Local retailers interested in this business opportunity should contact us on 0845 266 8790.”

According to Amlwch Town Council’s Chairman, Cllr Gareth Winston Roberts, both the Town Council and Hyfforddiant Parys Training had been working to try and secure an alternative venue in the town before the closure.

He added: “We even offered use of a room at the Town Council’s offices, but were told this wouldn’t be suitable.

“My only hope is that an alternative venue is found as soon as possible as it will cause problems for many, including businesses that depend on the footfall that the Post Office generates.

“The whole matter has been a massive blow for Amlwch, something we didn’t need so soon after hearing that the HSBC branch is also set to shut.”

Albert Owen MP added: “Whilst the circumstances are complex, I have been informed this decision was out of the Post Office’s hands and that alternative arrangements are being looked at.

“As a principal town, Amlwch needs and deserves a Post Office outlet. With the closure of the Post Office and the bank, we should be looking at innovative solutions in Amlwch.

The closest alternative branches in order of opening hours are; Cemaes Bay Post Office, 2 High Street, Cemaes Bay. Penysarn Post Office, Penysarn. Rhosybol Post Office, Rhosybol The latter two branches operate a morning only service.