MP Paul Murphy has met a Post Office chief in a bid to ensure the continuity of postal services in a town hit by the resignation of its sub-postmaster.

The former Welsh secretary held a meeting with the Post Office’s senior stakeholder manager for Wales after Blaenavon residents expressed concerns about the closure of its post office on November 25.

Blaenavon Mayor Sylvia Lewis said the branch had played a “vital role” in the World Heritage town.

Other residents have also voiced concerns about the resignation after the town was hit by the closure of HSBC bank.

The post office in Prince Street will soon become unavailable, meaning alternative premises would have to be found for a new post office in the town. Mr Murphy, the MP for Torfaen, said: “My meeting with the Post Office was encouraging.

“I know how important having a post office is to people in Blaenavon, especially after the loss of the local HSBC branch, and the Post Office seem to understand that.

“I have also discussed the issue with Lynne Neagle AM and the local councillors in Blaenavon, who I know are working hard to ensure that Post Office provision continues in the town.

“The Post Office seem committed to doing all they can, so I will keep in contact with them and look forward to hearing about some positive developments soon.”

Blaenavon Town Council expressed concerns about the loss of the post office when they held a meeting to discuss the issue last month.

Town council member, Cllr Lewis said every effort must be made to retain a post office provision in Blaenavon. Mr Murphy added: “I would certainly encourage anyone interested in enquiring about running the service to respond to the Post Office advertisement. As the local MP, I’ll do everything in my power to work with Lynne and local councillors to reach a solution which secures a future in Blaenavon for the post office.”