Another post office closure

2.33.48pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 5th Jan 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has expressed her disappointment in learning that Penybont Post Office is to shut.

The branch, located in Thomas Tearooms, will close on 9th January. The Post Office is urging any individuals who might be interested in running a branch in the village to contact their recruitment team.

Ms Williams said: "This is not, of course, the first post office closure in the area, and I have no doubt that it will not be the last. Labour has continually undermined the post office network, first withdrawing the post office card account scheme, and now cutting their subsidy. Under these circumstances, how can local post offices be expected to survive?"

Notes:

§ Following Penybont's closure, the nearest post office branches will be those in Crossgates and Newbridge on Wye.

§ Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling announced last month the likely closure of 2,500 post offices across the UK by 2009 because of the network's rising losses.