SEVERAL post offices in rural parts of North Wales opened for the last time yesterday as the first phase of a cull that will see the closure of 49 branches in the region.

There was sadness and even tears among users.

A total of 10 officially closed yesterday, though some, including Gwernymynydd in Flintshire and Rhos y Medre in Wrexham had actually shut up shop several months ago.

A further 11 will close today with a further 16 on Thursday and five more on Friday.

The remaining branches have three months to wrap up their business, so two post offices, Talwrn near Llangefni, and Llandudno Road in Rhos on Sea will remain open until next February 5.

Sub postmistress at Talwrn, Patricia Scott declined to comment about the closure but stressed: “We will still be open until February next year providing a service for local people.

“The post office will be available at the same times as the shop, from 7.30am until 12.30pm and 3pm until 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to midday at the weekend.”

Among the branches closed yesterday was Cwm y Glo. Pensioner Beryl Jones said: “I’ll have to travel to Llanberis to get my pension and pay my bills. I don’t have a car so I’ll have to take the bus. It will take the best part of a morning to do what I could do in half an hour.”

Another pensioner, Rose John from Caergeiliog, said: “The Government seems to want everyone to live in the town.”