New Post Office services reach out in rural Conwy

Jun 11 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

LIFE is busier than ever for one Conwy Valley postmaster who now has the added responsibility of operating three outreach post offices in the area.

Although Chris Neal from Betws-y-Coed is rushed off his feet he’s not complaining.

In addition to managing a busy shop and Post Office branch in Betws-y-Coed, Chris and his team are now kept busy operating three outreach Post Office services in the rural villages of Capel Curig, Dolwyddelan and Pentrefoelas.

The full time branches at these locations were closed as part of the recent network change programme and now “hosted” outreach arrangements have been set up in their place.

Chris, who has managed the branch since 2004, said: “I have had a good response from these communities in recent weeks.

“I know all too well how much they appreciate having Post Office services on their doorstep.

“We are now able to offer a greater range of services to these communities than before, like car tax, but I think there are still some people who are not aware of this and are missing out on what we offer.”

Peter Smith, chairman of Capel Curig community centre management committee, said: “We are delighted to have Chris setting up his Post Office equipment every Tuesday morning. This is a real community service.”

Director of Welsh affairs at Royal Mail Group Huw Roberts added: “I know that Chris is a very experienced, community-minded person and I’m sure he will do a great job for these villages.

“It is important that people in Capel Curig, Dolwyddelan and Pentrefoelas know they can get a full range of Post Office services when Chris visits their village.”

At Dolwyddelan, the service is offered from the recently refurbished Spar shop.

Chris operates there on Monday and Friday afternoons.

The third service hosted by Chris is from the Awelon Stores in Pentrefoelas, which also offers B&B accommodation, a cafe and shop.

Post Office services are also available there every Monday and Friday.

samantha.castle