COUNCILLORS “share residents’ concerns” about the proposed temporary closure of Blaenavon post office.

Town leaders are worried that the service could become unavailable, and they hope that the issue can be addressed.

Last week it was reported that the future is looking bleak for Blaenavon post office.

Concerns were raised following an announcement that the current service �— on Prince Street �— is to come to an end.

During a meeting of the town council last Wednesday, mayor Sylvia Lewis said Blaenavon post office has “a vital role”.

She said: “The town council shares the concerns of residents. Blaenavon Post Office plays a vital role in the town and every effort must be made to retain provision.”

Councillors noted that positive efforts recently have led to new businesses opening in Blaenavon �— and maintaining this momentum must be a focus.

Councillors hope that this will encourage a positive outcome to the post office situation.

Town leaders are liaising closely with the three local members of Torfaen County Borough Council in an effort to resolve the issue.

Cllr Stuart Evans, Blaenavon ward member for Torfaen council, said: “This issue is of enormous worry locally, with many residents expressing alarm at the plans.

“Older residents, hit hard by the closure of the HSBC bank, are particularly concerned. I welcome the commitment of the Post Office in making efforts to find a rapid resolution to the issue.”

The commitment was welcomed by ward members Alan Jones and Alun Furzer, who are working with Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle to explore options to maintain provision.

The current premises will soon be unavailable and the sub-postmaster has resigned.

Last day of service for the current branch is November 25.

A new operator and new premises are being sought.

BLAENAVON Town Council met last week to discuss the proposed temporary closure of Blaenavon Post Office.

Members unanimously expressed concerns that such a valuable service would be unavailable and that they hoped that a solution could be found to address the issue.

It was reported last week that the future is looking bleak for the Post Office in Blaenavon with concern raised following an announcement that the current service on Prince Street is to come to an end.

During the meeting on Wednesday, the Town Mayor, Sylvia Lewis, said: “The town council shares the concerns of residents, the Post Office plays a vital role in the town and every effort must be made to retain provision.”

Councillors noted that positive efforts recently have seen new businesses open in Blaenavon and maintaining this momentum must be a focus and hoped that this would encourage a positive outcome.

Blaenavon Town Council is liaising closely with the three local Torfaen County Borough Council members in their efforts to resolve the issue.

Cllr Stuart Evans, Blaenavon ward member for Torfaen County Borough Council, said: “This issue is of enormous worry locally, with many residents expressing alarm at the plans, particularly older residents who have been hit hard by the closure of HSBC bank, although I welcome the commitment of the Post Office in making efforts to find a rapid resolution to the issue.”

The commitment was also welcomed by ward members Alan Jones and Alun Furzer who have been working with Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle to explore options to maintain provision.

It was previously reported by the Argus’ sister paper The Free Press, how Ms Neagle held a meeting following the recent resignation of the sub-postmaster, while the existing premises are also no longer available.

It means a new operator and premises are both being sought.

The last day of service for the current branch is on Tuesday November 25.