P.O. closure new blow for town
Six-week consultation launched
ONE of Llanelli’s main post offices is set to close – sparking mixed reactions in the town.
The Post Office has launched a six-week consultation to close its branch at John Street in Llanelli.
A spokesman said the branch “has been temporarily managed for a number of years and we have taken this opportunity to review service in the area.”
ONE of Llanelli’s main post offices is set to close – sparking mixed reactions in the town.
The Post Office has launched a six-week consultation to close its branch at John Street in Llanelli.
A spokesman said the branch “has been temporarily managed for a number of years and we have taken this opportunity to review service in the area.”
The move comes amid a backdrop of recent business closure announcements for the town – after the Vista Lounge announced it would be calling time for the last time on July 27. The building also houses Vista Hotel and Langostinos restaurant in Station Road.
The owner, Paul Jenkins, blamed a lack of trade for the venue’s demise.
Also closing on the same day will be Ruby Jacqs nursery and children’s wear boutique in Pembrey Road – with the owner citing competition from online brands as one of the reasons.
But many took to Facebook to decry the closure of the Post Office in John Street, with some saying it wasn’t as good as it had been in recent years.
Phillip Walters said: “It wasn’t quite the same as the one we all knew 20-plus years ago.”
Richard Young echoed the sentiments, saying: “Not surprised, nothing like it was back in the day, with about eight tills open and about 40 staff behind the scenes upstairs.”
Wendy Chin said: “Many years ago John Street Post Office used to be very busy, always clean and tidy, well stocked, and excellent staff. Then everything changed – but not for the better.”
Loretta Evans said she was sad at the branch’s closure, claiming “too many shops and businesses are closing in Llanelli – it’s become a ghost town”, and Tina Croxall said it was a “shame it’s going”.
Elli ward councillor Sion Davies said he was very disappointed at the move. He added: “It’s an essential high street service, and a lot of people use it for banking services – especially more elderly service users.”
He said it was heartening to know there were other branches close by, but urged constituents to take part in the consultation.
A Post Office spokesman said there were four branches within a mile of the John Street branch, including two recently opened branches at Church Street and Pembrey Road, as well as Ann Street and Llanelli Docks.
She said both Ann Street and Llanelli Docks post offices had more customer sessions per week than Llanelli.
But the Post Office didn’t employ the staff at Llanelli, as a temporary agency operator employs their own staff.
The public consultation has started and will run until August 20.
Ruby Jacqs owner Charlotte Rickwood said she was closing her shop after four-and-a-half years for a variety of reasons, including the fact it had quietened down, and family reasons.
She also said traffic light changes last year hadn’t helped, causing gridlock for vehicles wanting to get to her shop.
The threat posed by online competition had been another factor, and she had launched a closing down sale ahead of the business ending.
The impending closure comes amid a backdrop of the announcement Vista Lounge is to close, and follows the demise of EJ’s bar and restaurant – although that is soon to re-open under a new name and with new owners.