A DECISION to keep Blaenavon’s only remaining post office open for the next few months has been welcomed by local politicians who say its long-term future could still be saved.

Subpostmaster Chris Rowles, 54, planned to shut his post office in Prince Street last month but had a change of heart despite falling revenue at his branch and has decided to keep it open until spring of 2015.

Mr Rowles said he was left with “less than the minimum wage” after paying all his bills and outgoings each month.

Post Office chiefs were unable to find a new outlet to provide post office services in the town before he handed in his notice.

But they said last week they were in negotiations with an “existing retailer” to open a new branch in the town centre, giving residents a glimmer of hope.

Lynne Neagle, AM for Torfaen, said: “After serving the community for many years, it was clearly a huge relief when the subpostmaster agreed to keep the post office open while alternative provision locally was secured - particularly with Christmas just round the corner.

“I’m continuing to monitor the situation closely and I know that discussions are on-going between post office officials and local parties interested in taking on the service. Working with local representatives, I will continue to do anything I can to support that process.”

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy said: “I welcome the decision by Blaenavon sub-postmaster Chris Rowles to keep the post office open until the spring, as, I am sure, will the local community.

“I know how important having a post office is to people in Blaenavon - especially after the loss of the local HSBC branch. Lynne Neagle AM and the local councillors have been working extremely hard to ensure that this service continues and I have met with the post office’s senior stakeholder manager in Wales to discuss the situation.

“I hope that the ongoing negotiations to secure a long term future for Blaenavon Post Office will be successful and that Mr Rowles’ decision will mean residents will have uninterrupted access to the valued services that the post office provides.”

A Post Office spokesman said they were in discussion with an interested party over taking on the service in the town centre.

He added: "Any proposed relocation of the service will be subject to a six-week public consultation period."