AM slams closure of Llyswen and Llanwrtyd Post offices

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 22nd Jul 2008

Speaking after Post Office Ltd announcement that they will be replacing Llanwrtyd Wells and Llyswen post offices with outreach services, Kirsty Williams AM has slammed the further review mechanism as having "a stench of predetermination".

Kirsty Williams said: "This is very disappointing news for these two communities who have both fought hard to keep their post offices open.

"Both villages have aging populations and poor public transport services meaning that it is yet again the most vulnerable who will be hit by Post Office Ltd's decision.

"Despite the fact that Postwatch have expressed their concern at the loss of these branches Post Office Ltd have forced these plans through. These closures reveal that the further review mechanism is ultimately ineffective as the concerns of the local community have effectively been written off.

"It seems now that this process has only served to prolong the anguish of these two communities and despite a strong campaign to keep these Post Offices open the original plans have been pushed through without any real further consideration."