Montgomeryshire politicians Glyn Davies MP and Russell George AM have called for a temporary postal service to be installed in Newtown during the planned closure of Newtown Post Office for refurbishment in September.
The Post Office has announced that its Newtown branch will be ‘upgraded’ to meet the company’s new ‘Main Style’ branch standard. However, the branch will be closed between the 2nd and 16th of September to allow work to be carried out, and residents have been told they will have to use the Post Office services in neighbouring villages Kerry and Caersws.
Whilst welcoming the refurbishment of Newtown Post Office, two local politicians have both called for a temporary postal service to be provided in Newtown during this period.
Commenting, Glyn Davies MP said:
“The Newtown branch upgrade will provide an improved service for customers, but it is unacceptable for there to be no service in Newtown for 2 weeks.
“Following discussions which have taken place today, I very much hope that the Post Office will be in a position to provide a temporary service in Newtown during this period.
“The Post Office remains a vital staple for local communities and I hope they acknowledge their customer’s concerns.”
Russell George AM added:
“Whilst I welcome the news that the Post Office is investing significantly into upgrading its Newtown branch, it is not acceptable that residents are expected to travel up to 6 miles at their own expense, in order to access vital postal services in the meantime.
“Many people, especially older residents, have no access to personal travel and it is not suitable for a key town like Newtown to be without a Post Office for 2 weeks.
“Glyn and I have been in discussions with the Post Office and Powys County Council about allowing a temporary postal unit to be provided in Newtown. There needs to availability to postal services for 5 days a week during the refurbishment period.”