A STRING of post offices in the Wrexham area are facing the axe.
Post Office Ltd made an announcement on Tuesday that 11 branches across the county borough are earmarked for closure.
The news came as the company opened a seven-week local public consultation on its area plan for North Wales, which could see up to 52 branches closed across the region.
Under threat in Wrexham are:
Cymau, Cymau Road
Marchwiel, Wrexham Road
New Broughton, New Road
Ponciau, Bank Street
Rhosymedre, High Street
Tanyfron, Llwyn Ifor Stores, St Alban’s Road
Trevor, Llangollen Road
Acton Park, 36 Rhosnesni Lane
Bradley, Glanllyn Road
Rhosrobin, Dodds Lane
Summerhill, Hill Street
The Post Office Network says that under the proposals, more than 98.8% of the North Wales population will either see no change to their nearest branch, or will remain within one mile – by road – of an alternative branch.
Of the 271 branches which would remain in North Wales, Post Office Ltd is proposing to establish 14 as outreach services, which would use innovative ways to continue to provide post office services – particularly in smaller communities – where the existing branch is nominated for closure.
Possible types of outreach service could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partner – such as a pub landlord.
Steve Geraty, Post Office Ltd’s network development manager for North Wales, said: “Taking the decision to close any post office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. We want to ensure everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with post office services is both fully aware of the proposed changes and able to give views on them.
“Post Office Ltd must reduce the number of branches. The purpose of this public consultation is to ensure we have the best available local knowledge to allow us to make the most informed decisions about which branches should close or be replaced by an outreach service.
“Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government.”
The public consultation period for North Wales began on Tuesday, July 29, and all representations should be received by September 15, 2008.
To express your views write to Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager, C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, by e-mail to: consultation@postoffice.co.uk , the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 or www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access call direct enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.
