Vulnerable ‘hardest hit’

Aug 14 2008 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

ELDERLY people and the disabled will be the hardest hit by post office closures in Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, say concerned councillors.

At a town council planning meeting at Colwyn Bay Town Halllast week councillors discussed plans to shut down post offices at 123 Abergele Road in Colwyn Bay, 106 Penrhyn Avenue, and 49 Llandudno Road, both in Rhos-on-Sea.

Cllr Abdul Khan said he had written to Clwyd West MP David Jones about the issue. Cllr Khan fears the loss of the post office on Abergele Road could mean some people will struggle to use the nearest service on Station Road as vehicles are not permitted during most hours.

He said: “The nearest alternative is on Station Road and there’s no vehicle access. Can you imagine disabled people trying to get there? And also people in wheelchairs? Station Road is quite a steep road.”

Cllr Khan hit out at the government’s decision to take ownership of an under-threat mortgage company while post offices continue to close.

“This government tried to rescue Northern Rock, but the post offices are used by poorer people and they can’t rescue that.”

Cllr Chris Perry said direct electronic payment of pensions and benefits as well as a change in the payment of bills has left many services struggling.

“The problem is they are trying to force people, particularly pensioners, to get their money paid into a bank,” he said.

Cllr John Davies said he feared for areas with an elderly population such as Rhos-on-Sea.

The matter will be discussed at the next town council meeting.