PO closure plan is ill-considered

Aug 21 2008 by Our Correspondent, North Wales Weekly News

THE proposed closure of the post office at Conwy Road in Llandudno Junction could not have been considered properly.

The nearest alternative at Ronald Road has a number of drawbacks. First of all there is a hill so steep that a handrail has been provided to help people.

Parking is severely restricted at Ronald Road. Outside are pedestrian crossing zig zags no-one can wait on and the side roads have double yellow lines.

There is a car park opposite, but it already serves all the shops and a pub so space is scarce.

At the Conwy Road branch the adjoining side road is unrestricted and there are the Iceland and Netto car parks where there are always spaces. Most people visiting the post office also go to the stores so there is no problem using these car parks.

The entrance and interior of the Ronald Road post office is small, making access difficult. Any queue resulting from the additional usage will obstruct the footpath.

The Conwy Road post office is not only wheelchair-friendly but any overflow out of the shop can easily be contained on the wide footpath outside.

Hundreds of houses are being built in Victoria Drive and elsewhere and should the Conwy Road post office close all new and existing residents will have to endeavour to get to the Ronald Road post office.

We do not want to lose any post offices as they are an essential part of the community. The Post Office needs to listen to the public and retain both Llandudno Junction branches.

DAVID KILBY

Victoria Drive, Llandudno Junction

FIFTY- TWO post offices may be earmarked for closure across North Wales, but it is not over yet. Fight for your branch!

We recommend that you not only continue to use and support your branch, but make your views known to the prime minister and the national consultation team.

We all feel that the government has missed the point on post offices.

Post offices are the social heart of many communities and without them many thousands of people would be increasingly isolated.

The government must look at the bigger picture before deciding the fate of many of our local communities. People all over Britain are sending the government the clear message – we love our post offices, we love our countryside.”

RACHEL EVANS

Director, Countryside Alliance in Wales