Neath AM ‘disappointed’ at Post Office closure plans for Neath

Neath Labour Assembly Member Gwenda Thomas has expressed her disappointment at the decision announced today (Tuesday 3rd June) by Royal Mail that five post office branches in her constituency are being proposed for closure under its Network Change Programme.

The five branches proposed for closure in the Neath Constituency are Aberdulais; Neath Abbey; Cwmgors; Leaonard Street, Neath and Maesyffynon, Glynneath.

She announced plans to consult her constituents on the proposed closures, and will work closely with Neath MP Peter Hain, local councillors, including the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Derek Vaughan and other local community leaders to ensure that the views of the people in each of the affected areas are taken fully into consideration during the consultation period.

Commenting on the proposed closures, Neath AM GWENDA THOMAS said:

“I’m deeply disappointed that Royal Mail has announced its intention to close five of its branches in my constituency.

"We will campaign to keep as many of these Post Offices open as possible, but we need people to speak up and tell us what they think, so that we send a clear, strong and united message to Royal Mail.

"Although Post Office issues are not devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government, I'm fully committed to making sure that as a public representative, representing the people of Neath, that I listen to the views of the people of Aberdulais, Cwmgors, Neath, Neath Abbey, and the Lamb and Flag area of Glynneath , and I urge them to contact me with their views on these proposed closures.

"I will then make the views of my constituents known to Royal Mail, and I will be working closely with colleagues to ensure that those views are taken fully into consideration during the consultation process.

Constituents can contact Gwenda by writing to Gwenda Thomas AM, Assembly Member for Neath, 7 High Street, Pontardawe, Swansea, SA8 4HU, by e-mail, gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk, or by leaving a comment at www.gwendathomas.com

Commenting on the proposed closures, Neath Port Talbot Council Leader and Neath North Councillor DEREK VAUGHAN said:

"'I am concerned at the number of closures announced for Neath Port Talbot and as a local Councillor I am particularly concerned about the proposal to close the Leonard Street Post Office in my Ward.

"Such a closure would have a huge impact on elderly residents. I will be demanding a meeting with the Post Office to discuss their proposals ''.

Commenting on the proposed closure of Maes y Ffynon Post Office, Blaengwrach County Councillor ALF SIDDLEY said:

"I was most disturbed to hear that the Post Office in the Lamb and Flag area of Glynneath is on the list of post office proposed for closure.

"The Post Office has always been an integral part of Community life, and plays a crucial role, just like the local school and village shop. When any of these vital services are closed, it has a devastating impact on the local community, especially on those members of the community who rely the most on their local post office, such as those who do not have a bank account or access to a bank, and the elderly and disabled people.

"I trust the County Councillors for Glynneath will stand with me and my colleagues to oppose this planned closure.