"What led to your change of heart?"

Jane Davidson's assistant, Chris Williams kindly sent me copies of letters Jane, AM for Pontypridd, recently sent to Huw Roberts (Director Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group), Steve Geraty (Network Development Manager, Post Office Ltd) and Eifion Pritchard (Chairman Postwatch Wales)

The letters detail the dismay we felt at the inadequate reasons given for closing our post office as well as a sense of being bewildered by the behaviour of certain organisations.

In one of the letters (dated January 21st), to Postwatch Wales' Eifion Pritchard, Jane writes of how the closure of Llantrisant post office left her "not only deeply disappointed, but deeply shocked".

She then reiterated the familiar, yet still powerful community, geographical and economy-related arguments that were raised during the campaign to keep our office open.

The letter ends: "The closure of Llantrisant Post Office will leave the community in a very vulnerable position.

"However, it was my understanding that one of Postwatch’s primary considerations in their evaluations of the closures proposed by Post Office Ltd was that communities should not be left in such a state.

"Despite the clear signs that Llantrisant will be put in a very precarious position I have now been informally told by Post Office Ltd that Postwatch has withdrawn its objection to the closure of Llantrisant post office. I feel that both I and my constituents are entitled to know what has led to this change of heart

"I should therefore be most grateful if you could inform me of the basis on which this apparent change of opinion is based."

"Postwatch failed to assert their power"

The controversial decision to close our post office was raised in the Senedd today, during First Minister's Questions, by Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks (I am very grateful to Plaid's Ioan Bellin for informing me about this)

Here is the exchange between Chris and Rhodri Morgan.

CHRIS FRANKS: In a letter from Downing Street to a constituent regarding Llantrisant post office it said that: 'Allan Leighton, Chairman of Royal Mail, will now personally decide on issues where the Post Office and Postwatch cannot reach agreement.'

As far as the local community is concerned this did not happen in the case of Llantrisant. Postwatch failed to assert their power to refer the case to Allan Leighton.

Would you agree that this shows that the whole consultation process is fatally flawed?

RHODRI MORGAN: Could you send me the details of that because that sounds very interesting and it may be something that everybody will want to avail themselves on in attempting to reduce or combat the proposed closures in their areas...to ensure that Postwatch is encouraged to utilise to the full its ability to put closure directly on appeal to the Chairman of Royal Mail.

Rhodri's response to the information Chris will no doubt send him should be very intriguing indeed.

Review procedure clarified

I sent an e-mail to Huw Roberts, Director Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group, yesterday.

I am grateful to Non Tudur Williams, Senior External Relations Manager, Post Office Ltd for responding so swiftly to the question I asked.

The issue I raised was why Allan Leighton, Chairman of the Royal Mail Group, did not have the final say on keeping our post office open.

Here is Non's reply.

Dear Mr Gilheaney

Thank you for the email sent to my colleague, Huw Roberts. I would like to clarify the position with regards to the review procedure.

In relation to finalising decisions regarding branch closure, Post Office Ltd has set up with Postwatch, the consumer body representing customers, a three stage review process for these decisions, with increasing seniority of the respective management teams participating in each stage, culminating in a member of Post Office Ltd's board and the Postwatch Chair (or their appointed deputy).

Furthermore, after stage 3, Allan Leighton, Chairman of Royal Mail Group, will review any unresolved cases at the request of Postwatch. With regards to the proposed closures in Area Plan 1, Cardiff and Glamorgan Valleys a decision was reached between Post Office Ltd and Postwatch prior to this final stage.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Non

Reaction to this letter will follow in the days ahead.

The Downing Street Letter - update

I have sent e-mails to Jane Davidson, Chris Franks, Leanne Wood, Huw Roberts, Steve Geraty, Dr Kim Howells, Postwatch Wales, 10 Downing Street and Mr Allan Leighton (Royal Mail Chairman) regarding The Downing Street Letter (see previous entry)

As soon as I receive replies from the aforementioned I'll inform you straightaway.

It would do no harm if you could voice your concerns on the issue in question, too.

All you have to say is something like: "Downing Street stated, in a letter dated January 3rd, 2008, that the Chairman of the Royal Mail Group, Mr Allan Leighton, should make the final decision in cases where Postwatch and Post Office Ltd could not agree on whether to close a branch.

"That does not appear to have happened in the case of our post office since neither Postwatch Wales or Post Office Ltd made reference to Mr Leighton's involvement at any stage of the process.

"Logic and justice therefore dictates that the decision to close our post office should be suspended, the case for saving our office should be referred to Mr Leighton who should have the final say on the matter."

Here are a few handy e-mail addresses you may wish to use for correspondence purposes: allan.leighton@royalmail.com, huw.roberts@royalmail.com, howellsk@parliament.uk, sally.thomas@postwatch.co.uk

If you would like to write to the person who wrote the Downing Street letter I've referred to, the name and address of the person is: S Caine, Direct Communications Unit, 10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA.

The Downing Street Letter

I received a very interesting e-mail from Colin the Postmaster tonight.

Colin informed me that Community Councillor Allan Matheson, who has done so much in the campaign to keep our post office open, received a letter, dated January 3rd, from 10 Downing Street.

The last section of the letter reads as follows:

"On the 28th November the Post Office announced a further strengthening of the process of reviewing these plans.

"Allan Leighton, the Chairman of the Royal Mail, will now personally decide on issues where the Post Office and Postwatch cannot reach agreement." (my bold type)

We officially know that Postwatch and Post Office Ltd could not agree on whether to keep our post office open.

So did Mr Leighton make the final decision?

It seems unlikely because in such a unique case as this surely we would have been told about his involvement, his verdict and how it was reached.

Instead it appears the decision to shut our branch was made in the same manner as all the other post offices on the closure list.

I deduce this because Postwatch Wales have not mentioned any intervention by Mr Leighton.

And neither have Post Office Ltd.

There's plenty of food for thought in the Downing Street letter. I'll speak to Colin and Allan M about it over the weekend.

An open letter to Messrs Geraty and Roberts

To Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager, Post Office Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

To Mr Huw Roberts, Royal Mail Group, Director of Welsh Affairs, 3rd Floor, 220 Penarth Road, CARDIFF, CF11 8TA

Dear Steve and Huw

RE: CLOSURE OF LLANTRISANT POST OFFICE

As I am sure you will understand, the people of Llantrisant are extremely disappointed by your decision to close our post office.

I have read the reasons given to justify closure and I am sorry to write that they are both inadequate and an insult to our intelligence.

Your points omit key facts, are dismissively general, show a lack of knowledge of both our town's geography and economy and are, in some cases, laughable.

So I would be grateful if you could inform the people who campaigned so well to save our post office why:

1. The hilltop town of Llantrisant was described as "hilly in parts". I find this description bizarre in the extreme. It reveals a desperate lack of knowledge about our post office's location yet you've claimed, in the past, that Post Office Ltd. were in the area during the consultation phase. Writing that Llantrisant is "hilly in parts" is like saying Snowdonia is steep in places.

2. You write of "feedback" and "some concerns" in your justification of the closure. Could you have the courtesy to state precisely how many letters you received from customers protesting about the closure and also the number of signatures on the petition submitted? Why did you omit these details from your justification for closure?

3. You write of a regular bus service. Please could you be more precise as I do not know of such a service. Could you tell me the times of this "regular" service you claim exists?

4. You write of "consideration to the local economy". Which local economy are you referring to, Talbot Green's? Do you think that the economy of Llantrisant will benefit by your decision to close our post office and your insensitive and wholly inappropriate endorsement of Tesco Extra? How do you think local shop owners will like that?

I look forward to receiving your reply/replies which I will upload on to this site on receipt.

Yours sincerely

John Gilheaney

Note to blog visitors: to read the reasons given for closure see blog entry with that title below.

Postwatch Wales' reply

This afternoon I received a reply to my open letter to Postwatch Wales. I'm happy to print the response, written by Sally Thomas, below and in its entirety.

John,

Thank you for your previous e-mail highlighting the “blog” and apologies for not responding sooner, I understood this to be for information purposes and it did prove very useful in our investigations.

In the case of Llantrisant post office, Postwatch Wales communicated its concerns to Post Office Ltd both during and at the end of public consultation. Postwatch Wales opposed the closure on several grounds – principally topography/terrain and the associated difficulty of accessing alternative post office services. This included both the walking route and routes to and from bus stops. We also raised concerns about the impact on the local economy (particularly local businesses) and the loss of access to cash.

In addition, Postwatch Wales highlighted several other factors such as parking at alternative branches and the number of “open” counter positions at the nearest branch in Cross Inn.

Unfortunately at the end of public consultation both Postwatch Wales and customers were unable to persuade Post Office Ltd to reconsider its proposal to close this branch. Therefore, we initiated the review procedure. However, at the second review, the Post Office Ltd decision prevailed. Postwatch Wales was disappointed to hear that Llantrisant Post Office will close. However, we should point out that this is a Post Office Ltd programme, being carried out after a government decision to close 2,500 post offices, and that Postwatch does not have any powers of veto.

Kind regards

Sally

An open letter to Postwatch Wales

To Suzanne Webb, Regional Executive, Postwatch Wales.

Dear Suzanne

When I set up this website I sent out e-mails to people I thought would be interested in its content. I quickly received replies from most parties contacted.

The only people that failed to respond to my e-mails were Sally Thomas of Postwatch Wales and Dr Kim Howells MP.

Yesterday, after contacting your organisation again, I was belatedly sent a press release regarding the closure of our branch.

This is what it said about the decision to shut down our post office.

Postwatch Wales and Post Office Ltd were unable to reach agreement in relation to Llantrisant Post Office and this was raised to a further stage in the escalation process. At this stage the Post Office Ltd view prevailed and the closure of Llantrisant Post Office will now proceed.

Moreover Postwatch Wales has secured a commitment from Post Office Ltd to undertake improvements at several of the alternative post offices branches including improvements to disabled access and reviewing capacity issues such as opening hours, open counter positions and queuing arrangements.

Despite these words, a substantial amount of local people are baffled by Postwatch Wales' role in the closure of our branch.

So I, and the people of Llantrisant, would be grateful if you would answer the following questions:

1. Is it true you withdrew support for keeping our branch open at the last minute? If so, why?

2. Do you believe it was right to close our post office down?

3. Do you think the explanation for closure given by Post Office Ltd. is fair and thorough?

4. Why do you think Post Office Ltd failed to mention, in its reasons for closure, the petition that was submitted or state how many letters they received from Llantrisant citizens regarding the closure?

5. Can you explain why Post Office Ltd state that the hilltop town of Llantrisant is "hilly in parts"?

I look forward to your reply which I will post on this site on receipt.

Yours sincerely


John Gilheaney

The reasons given for closure

The reasons Post Office Ltd have given for closing our branch were made public today.

This is their rationale.

Post Office® Llantrisant branch

Feedback regarding proposals to close Llantrisant branch highlighted concerns in relation to the local elderly and disabled population as well as the distance and terrain to the alternative branches.

Some concerns were also raised regarding public transport, parking facilities and the ability of neighbouring branches to cope with the additional customers. Further concerns highlighted the possible impact on local businesses and the local community.

Whilst we acknowledge the terrain is hilly in parts, a regular bus service is in operation to both neighbouring branches with the journey taking approximately 5 minutes. Concessionary travel is available enabling people over 60 and those with qualifying disabilities to travel free of charge and the bus company aims to offer low level access to buses where possible.

The capacity of nearby branches to absorb extra customers is one of the factors that Post Office Ltd carefully considers in drawing up its Area Plan proposals. Post Office Ltd has carefully reviewed the capacity and service at the neighbouring branches and is satisfied they can absorb the extra customers which will help ensure their long term viability.

Consideration has also been given to the impact on the local economy and we are satisfied that customers would travel to Talbot Green to access most of their shopping needs where there is a vibrant retail area which includes a Tesco Extra.

Taking all the relevant factors into consideration Post Office Ltd has decided to proceed with the proposal to close the Llantrisant branch.

(For information on other Post Offices in the Cardiff and Glamorgan area please go to the link on the left, Consultation Announcement)

Hmmm...I'm sure people will be interested to read that Llantrisant is "hilly in parts". That's like saying Mount Everest has the odd slope here and there.

What shop owners think of the Tesco Extra endorsement will be very interesting indeed.

And isn't it curious that the petition submitted has not been mentioned, nor has the number of letters Llantrisant citizens wrote?

A full, forensic reaction to the reasons outlined above will follow asap. Please feel free to leave your comments below.

"We haven't been told if we're profitable or not"

You can hear Colin's Radio Wales' interview, which took place this morning, by pasting the following into your website address bar.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7200000/newsid_7201900/7201932.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&bbcws=1

Good Morning Wales

Jenny from Good Morning Wales contacted me this afternoon. Colin will be on the programme tomorrow, with a fellow campaigner, talking about the deplorable decision to close our branch and the problems it will cause.

It's well worth tuning into. I'm told the interview will take place at the post office at approximately 7.30am...best tune in a bit before that to be on the safe side.

"Llantrisant lost its heart today."

The quotes that follow were made this morning by our wonderful Postmaster, Colin Cranness. They sum up the feeling in the town perfectly and extremely powerfully, too.

"They say that today, January 21st, is officially the gloomiest day of the year, I think that's very right.

"The weather says it all out there, I think, because Llantrisant has just lost its heart, it lost its heart today. It's literally been ripped out completely.

"We honestly thought we had a very good case but the people who make the decision obviously didn't listen to all the comments that have gone in.

"Judging by the criteria considered when closing a branch, the decision-makers have not taken into account the fact we are on a hill.

"Good luck to the offices that have survived, but the fact is they're on the flat in a town environment. We are on top of a hill which makes access to the alternative post offices extremely difficult.

"We now have no banking cash facilities within the town, pensioners are going to have to hire taxis to go to alternative offices at a cost of £6 per round trip...be that on the Government's head.

"I don't think the views of the businesses that use the town and this post office have been taken into account.

"Over the years we've built up a good clientele for business and personal banking and I know that those customers do not want to go down - then back up - the hill that leads to Talbot Green.

"We all know the parking problems down there, but they're going to have to get in their car and that will cause more congestion.

"I'd like to go on record and personally thank Jane Davidson and her office for everything they've done, they couldn't have done more. I know that Jane is, like me, absolutely gutted by the decision.

"I'd also like to thank Councillor Glynne Holmes who has done so much during the campaign as has Allan Matheson, my Campaign Manager, he's done more than what's required and for that I'm eternally grateful.

"The Town Council have been brilliant in fact everybody that's written, visited this website and who went on the trip to London, I thank.

"After all we've done it makes one wonder if those going through the consultation phase in Gwent should bother protesting because the decision on their offices may already be done and dusted.

"The biggest losers are the people of Llantrisant, I can't stress that enough.

"We're just absolutely gutted it hasn't gone our way."

(Further quotes from Glynne, Allan, Carol and Jenny will be uploaded here, in entries below, later today)

"This decision will cost me £2,500 a year."

The impact our post office's closure will have on business could spell disaster for our town's entrepreneurs.

Here Jenny Rolfe, Managing Director of the Model House, Llantrisant, outlines the problems the twelve businesses contained in the building will have in the wake of Post Office Ltd.'s decision.

"My first reaction to the news our branch was closing was: 'God, that really is going to cause us great problems'

"Because we are a funded organisation we have tight budgets. I have an annual postage budget of £3,000 which may be small amount to some but it's a large percentage of our turnover.

"Say, for example, that we host an exhibition like the Christmas one, which had 50 or 60 makers in that show.

"About 90% of items are jewellery or textiles - small parcels that can go through the post office.

"Come the end of the show we've got to get those items back, most by special delivery. We do them in batches, pay by cheque at the post office, it's proximity is absolutely invaluable.

"To go to the alternative post office in Southgate means someone has to hop into a car (which is bad for the environment) and it obviously adds to business costs too.

"Because of our location it's so difficult to get to other post offices, the roads are unsafe, it's hard enough to get to them if you're able-bodied. You take your life in your hands.

"There are twelve businesses in this one building alone and they will be greatly disrupted by the decision because the post office is generally the hub of any village or town I've lived in, it's such a vital asset.

"I would estimate that this closure will add £100 a fortnight to costs, which is £2,500 a year, money I do not have.

"I don't think the people in charge have read or listened to the arguments."

"We've lost a lifeline"

The strength of feeling of regular customers at our post office in Swan Street was typified by a very nice lady called Carol (she didn't wish to give her surname).

Carol works with the disabled in Barry but she drove from work, back to Llantrisant, to be at the meeting this morning.

This is what she said.

"I'm paying back time in lieu by travelling from my job in Barry to be here today because I think the post office is such a vital resource.

"More resources should be coming to Llantrisant, not less, and the post office, through Colin, is a lifeline, he's the man who can. I've had difficult times recently and I don't know how I'd have managed without him, he's helped me deal with so much bureaucracy.

"To me the decision to close this branch sort of symbolises the way our values in society have changed.

"I was numb when I heard the news the post office was to close because the situation seemed so hopeful.

"I don't understand why our branch hasn't been reviewed, it doesn't seem fair. The people who made the decision have obviously not gone up and down our hill.

"The post office is such a lifeline for elderly people, children use it all the time, too...this is such a lost opportunity because Llantrisant should be growing."

"A vast body blow to our regeneration plans"

The two men who, outside of Colin, have done the most to keep our post office open are Councillor Glynne Holmes and Community Councillor Allan Matheson.

I spoke to them both this morning and they were obviously upset and angry about the decision and the way it's been made.

Both men made very powerful points as you will see.

Here Allan (Glynne's quotes will follow later) expresses his disappointment at the decision and answers the big question on all our lips at the moment: what more can we do?

"In terms of things we can still do we'll have to wait to hear the official announcement and the reasons given for closure.

"One of the things we can do is examine the reasons given. I suspect they won't comply and meet the Government's criteria to keep our post office open.

"I can't understand why Postwatch changed its position from originally supporting the review of this branch.

"I will write to Postwatch. I will also write to the House of Commons because I understand, from the meeting we had with Kim Howells last week, that a Parliamentary Select Committee is going to look at the whole process of closure and consultation, perhaps we can put a bit of pressure on there.

"The problem with all this, of course, is the timetable. Colin will be closing the post office sometime between mid and late February and that will be disastrous for people in the village.

"I live in Cross Inn but it's easier for me to use this post office than it is to use the one in Southgate and Talbot Green!

"I think the decision is deplorable. The way Colin and Lynne have been treated has been deplorable too.

"They've been loyal servants to the Post Office for many years then one day they get a letter saying they have to close.

"Unfortunately the Post Office also seems to use the media to convey the bad news, maybe to take the attention away from them a bit.

"One of the things that most disappoints me is that if Postwatch had not agreed with Post Office Ltd then the matter would have at least gone on to the Chairman of Post Office Ltd. Allan Leighton and that would have given us another opportunity to put the case strongly, but we seem to have been denied that as well.

"We're all bitterly disappointed by the decision. We can't understand the rationale behind why this post office has to close.

"I wonder, when they called it the People's Post Office, which people they meant, it certainly wasn't the people in Llantrisant."

For his part, Councillor Holmes spoke off the damage the decision will do to the town's economy. He also praised the work of Jane Davidson AM and contrasted it with the efforts of Dr Kim Howells MP.

"When I heard the news on Friday I felt like going into a corner and crying, that's how angry I felt.

"This decision is going to affect the regeneration of Llantrisant programme which Rhondda Cynon Taf started and I'm proud to say I'm part of.

"Llantrisant has been neglected for many years, we're trying to push it forward, but this is a vast body blow.

"To be honest, when we went to the House of Commons last week I had a feeling that the decision had already been made and I wasn't the only one, I feel we've been badly let down by the Westminster Government.

"As I said to the Observer reporter this morning: 'Judas Iscariot could not have done a better job.'

"Jane Davidson has been excellent, she went beyond the call of duty as far as I'm concerned. She's very caring and is in the hearts of the people of Llantrisant.

"She's a rare breed in politicians, she showed that by getting up so early last Wednesday to see us off to Westminster.

"Where Kim Howells is concerned, I felt that he was holding back. I'm reminded of that old saying: 'Some politicians are akin to bananas, they start off green, turn yellow and are seldom straight.'

"There's a dire need for our post office to remain in Llantrisant for the reasons already stated.

"I'm devastated."

The Politician's View: Why did Postwatch withdraw their support?

Plaid AM Leanne Wood was at our post office this morning. Like many she was very surprised by the the decision to close our branch.

She also said she was baffled why Postwatch Wales, who recommended that Llantrisant post office be one of four reviewed before closure, apparently withdrew their support for us in our time of need.

Here's what Leanne said this morning:

"I was very surprised when I heard the decision because the campaign had been so strong and Postwatch's support had been very significant.

"I really believed this would be one of the post offices that would be saved so the news came as a bit of a shock.

"As I understand it, Postwatch changed their position and I don't understand why that happened. So I will be going back to my office today, I will try to establish why they withdrew their support at the last minute.

"It's difficult to know what more we can do now because this is a final decision and as far as I'm aware there is no avenue for appeal, but that's something I will look at again because clearly this is a post office that does need saving.

"If I were in your shoes I'd just say that the people of Llantrisant have run an excellent campaign and the information they've put together can be shared with other people.

"This is only one phase in the latest phase of post office closures, there are loads more to come and there are going to be communities who'll want a campaign to save their post office so I think you could give a lot of information that people can learn from.

"Post offices have only got a chance of being saved if people come together and put their arguments as strongly as they possibly can.

"The downside of this is that the people of Llantrisant have run one of the best campaigns I've seen and you haven't managed to keep your post office open, so that will be a blow to everybody now.

"I'm really sorry the campaign hasn't given you a better result."

Reaction

"Wow!"

That was the reaction of the Echo photographer who arrived at our post office this morning.

His gasp was prompted by the great turn out of Llantrisant folk who braved the appalling weather conditions and crammed into our branch to make their feelings known about its proposed closure.

I spoke to Colin, the Postmaster, Leanne Wood AM, Councillor Glynne Holmes, Community Councillor Allan Matheson as well as a few customers...their views on the appalling decision that's been made will be uploaded here during the course of the day...

Once again, Journalists/Politicians/Community-lovers who wish to use the quotes that follow (in support of our campaign) are very welcome to do so.

"I am deeply shocked by this decision"

This is how the Echo have covered the news that our post office is due to close...

ONE of the most popular South Wales branches on the Post Office’s hit list WILL definitely close, it has been revealed.

Llantrisant post office’s fate will be officially announced on Tuesday but the Echo has learned that residents’ fight to save it has been in vain.

Pontypridd AM Jane Davidson said Post Office chiefs had told her that the Swan Street branch, run for 15 years by Colin Cranness and his wife Lynne, would close.

Assembly climate change minister Ms Davidson said: “I am not only deeply disappointed, I am deeply shocked by this decision.

“I came up this morning to see the postmaster and all the time I have been here the post office has been regularly used.”

She said the post office was at the heart of life in Llantrisant.

As reported in the Echo yesterday, two post offices – Splott Road, Cardiff, and High Street, Barry – will be given a reprieve when the Post Office announces the results of its consultation on Tuesday.

The future now looks bleak for the remaining 29 branches on the region’s closure proposals but residents of Llantrisant had hoped that their hard-fought campaign would see them through.

As part of their fight, nearly 40 residents travelled up to London on Wednesday to see Pontypridd MP Kim Howells and present him with a portrait of “hilly Llantrisant” by a local artist.

Speaking immediately after she returned from London, Mrs Cranness told the Echo that they would fight to the bitter end to save the branch. She said the support of residents had been “wonderful”.

“So many letters have been sent off,” she said.

Postmasters have now been told of the decisions affecting their branch and asked not to speak to the press until the official announcement.

Resident John Gilheaney, who has set up a website, http://save llantrisantpostoffice.blogspot.com, said: “This is a huge blow to the community of Llantrisant, particularly for the elderly and for business people in the town. I feel sorry for Colin and Lynne, who have run our post office so well for so long.”

david.james@mediawales.co.uk

It feels so unjust

I received a phone call at approx 12.30pm yesterday from someone who had it on good authority that our post office was going to close.

I hoped that the unofficial comment the caller passed on was not true but as the afternoon progressed and I spoke to fellow journalists it became clear that our branch was not one of the few that's been saved.

Obviously the news is hugely disappointing. It's a shock too, particularly after Postwatch Wales recommended that the case of our branch be reviewed.

I've spoken to Colin, he says the news has yet to fully sink in. To me it feels like an injustice, a very poor decision indeed.

Although the official announcement is going to be made on Tuesday there's little point denying what we in Llantrisant already know.

Perhaps the best thing we can all do is digest the news this weekend, turn out in fine number on Monday morning (see previous entry), air our feelings and ask ourselves if there's anything we can still do to keep the branch open.

News update/Monday meeting

There was much rumour and speculation today but no official announcement about the fate of our post office which was frustrating given the way news about two branches (see previous entry) leaked out.

I saw Colin, the Post Master, late this afternoon, we agreed to talk again tomorrow when today's developments are digested.

It was a busy day. Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks and David James from the Echo were in touch. They will be at our Post Office on Monday from 10am approx.

Opinion will be canvassed, a photographer will be there too so the more people who turn up to express their views the better.

The official announcement will be made on Tuesday.

Splott and Barry Post Office saved...

...but no official news on ours or the other 29 offices on the closure list as yet.

For the full story on how the branches in Splott Road, Splott and the High Street in Barry were reprieved - congratulations to you both! - please go to: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2008/01/18/it-s-a-victory-for-common-sense-91466-20365862/

There you will read a story by the South Wales Echo's David James.

I'll upload the story here tomorrow but since the Echo are leading the coverage on this issue it's only fair I guide you to their site in the first instance.

Picture request

Could anyone that took pictures yesterday please get in touch asap? Press articles on the trip may be written shortly and the pix I took are OK at best. Better versions would be appreciated.

Thank you.

"I've been involved in some vociferous rows about this I can tell you."

Details of our meeting with Kim Howells today...many thanks to Tove Oliver for sending the committee room pic

We met Dr Howells after Prime Minister's questions, he was very welcoming indeed. He took us to Committee Room 12 of the House of Commons and, following the meeting, which lasted half-an-hour, he took us on a mini tour of the House, filling us in on parts of its history.

On reflection, after reading the quotes that follow, I don't think anyone could have asked for much more from Dr Howells today, we thank him again for allowing us to visit the House to make our case.

He began the meeting by reading a letter, dated January 7th, from Pat McFadden of The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

The letter stated that closing post offices is not popular but they are being used more infrequently by the public, that very large sums of money are being lost each week as a consequence (for details on the sums involved I suggest you watch The Politics Show video on this site which goes into detail on these matters).

It also stated that the Government is keen to maintain a national post office network and that it recognises the important social and economic role of post offices, particularly in rural and deprived urban communities.

Dr Howells said that the point he tried to make in his formal submission to the consultation was that in areas like Pontypridd the topography is not typical of many areas in the UK.

He illustrated this by saying the difference between the lowest street that's served by his post office in Craigwen, and the branch, which is just 600 yards away, is 300 feet.

"For a fit person that can be quite a strain but for somebody who is frail, disabled or very elderly it's an impossible 300 feet," he said.

"I was talking to Paul Murphy about this last night and he has exactly the same problem at his constituency in Torfaen. He says there will be a five mile gap to the nearest post office to the north or to the south of that valley if his office goes.

"So the point that we've been trying to make, as part of this consultation, is that it's not simply the proximity of the post offices, it's the difficulty people have in getting there, on foot or even by car because parking is not always easy."

Dr Howells said it remains to be seen what the consultation result will be, but he said he found the recent response from Postwatch Wales, which called for a review of four post offices (including ours) earmarked for closure as "quite encouraging."

However, he added that: "I don't take this as some kind of confirmation that Llantrisant will stay open. It is absolutely vital that the pressure is still applied."

At this point Councillor Holmes made a very passionate speech about why the post office should be saved.

Glynne also presented Dr Howells with a picture of Llantrisant, drawn by a local artist, and to be passed on to the Prime Minister so as to illustrate the hilly nature of our town (I will upload Glynne's speech later this week, with details of the artist, Rob Parslow, when I have more time).

Dr Howells then kindly took some questions from us. Below I have summarised what he said, and, for simplicity, grouped together the quotes he made on the broad issues raised.

ON HOW TO CAMPAIGN BEYOND THE CONSULTATION PHASE: "The tactics you use are up to you as an action group but I think of all the seven post offices I've been trying to save I think you've had by far the most vigorous campaign.

"It's the only organised campaign that I know of for a start. I've had lots of letters from other post offices although some have sadly sent no letters at all.

"But I'm not sure you can do more than you have done really. I think that when they make the announcement then maybe in the run-up to that it might be an idea to be visible somewhere.

"My own observation is that I don't think the public like civil disobedience as much as they did 20 years ago.

"I've been involved in some pretty vociferous rows about this I can tell you and people argue that I should be doing more important things...so you've got another group who couldn't care less about what's happening to the post office.

"I think Postwatch's response shows the impact your campaign has made has produced results. I'm encouraged that Postwatch has identified Llantrisant as one of just four in the whole of Cardiff and the Glamorgan valleys area for review, that's pretty amazing and a direct result of the pressure you've put on in all sorts of ways."

ON THE FACT THAT PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO USE THE POST OFFICE TO PAY CAR TAX OR THEIR TV LICENCE ANYMORE: "With respect I understand that argument but we don't live in that society anymore, you can't turn back the clock. There's much more choice around now and people like choice. For example I feel deeply uneasy at the way the supermarkets are killing off parts of our villages - but people like supermarkets.

"I would very much like to see more people use post offices and I'm very sorry that people these days tend to go to other places, you can buy stamps almost everywhere now.

"But there are people who like using the post office. There are some people, like my mum in the Aberdare valley, who like going to the post office to get her pension, it's a very important part of her life, her social life, and it worries me that aspects like this are not being given an adequate airing. We'll see about that. One of the good things that's happened is that the Select Committee that deals with the Department for Business and Enterprise has decided to look at the consultation itself.

"They asked me for a response - and Ministers are not supposed to respond to these things - so I wrote them a very short letter which you might find interesting."

Here Dr Howells read out the letter which stated that, like his constituents, he was not happy with the consultation process. He described the process, in the letter, as "questionable".

ON THE EFFECT ON SMALL BUSINESSES (made in response to a mum who said her daughter had written to Post Office Ltd. worried about her business, one that employs thirteen people): "If she's written to the Post Office about what you say, that's the most powerful argument anyone can make.

"This is a very busy post office and it seems to me that what they've done here is make an across the board decision and that's the fatal mistake it seems to me. Llantrisant is an area of growth, not decline, and what really worries me about the future is if young people get out of the habit, or don't know about using the post office, they never will use it.

"They bank online, they send e-mails to each other and not letters...the post office is a place that makes society more cohesive.

"I think it's absolutely vital that the people who make the decision understand that details matter and that's what worries me...in the letter I wrote to the Select Committee I said I was very worried that the nature of what is going to happen isn't properly taken into account in the decision making.

"You can understand the economics of the thing but you've also got to understand the social details."

The question and answer session ended on a humorous note when one lady asked Dr Howells if the people who will make the decision on closing or retaining our post office were aware of the geography of Llantrisant. With a nod to Councillor Holmes' highly detailed speech Dr Howells said...

ON THE GEOGRAPHY OF LLANTRISANT: "Are they aware of the geography? I think they are now! To point one of a metre!"

"Good luck, good speed and let's win!"

Just back from Westminster after a group of approximately 30 passionate Llantrisant citizens, all desperate to keep our post office open, had a fine day indeed.

A big thank you for the smooth running of today must go to Councillor Glynne Holmes for organising the trip and also for putting the case to Kim so passionately.

We left the Bull Ring at 7am this morn, sent on our way by a rousing speech from Jane Davidson AM, a mighty achievement at such a tender hour!

Copies of information Jane has sent to concerned residents plus all the letters she had from Postwatch and the Post Office were distributed.

Then she said this: "Now I think we've got a very, very good chance of saving this particular post office because not only do you have a fantastic Post Master and Mistress, but you have demonstrated you use it.

"We want to make sure that everybody understands that this post office is used not only by local residents for their personal business but it's used by people to make sure that the local economy of Llantrisant is given a strong boost by its support for local businesses as well.

"You're going to go and make that strong case in London today, I wish you all the best, you've got the Observer with you - imagine having a reporter to yourselves for the whole day! - so good luck and good speed and let's win!"

Quotes from Dr Howells to follow later...

Well said, Jack!

So far we've heard the views of business and the older generation, now it's time to let youth have its say and, where the young are concerned, there's no better person to speak to than Jack Penberthy.

A few months ago Jack, an 11-year-old pupil at Y Pant Comprehensive School, produced a project inspired by our post office in Swan Street.

Here Jack explains how he came up with the idea and what the post office means to him and his fellow citizens in the town.

"I started the project late last year, it was for a geography report which asked us about something that was changing in our local area, to save something that we need, so I chose our post office.

"I took a picture of the post office and notes from Colin (the Post Master) and then typed his quotes on to the computer.

"I went to the post office with my dad (David) and asked questions like: 'Who uses it?' Colin told me that everybody does, he mentioned people like e-bay sellers, old people for their pension and the Model House for sending packages.

"I learnt that if the post office closes old people will have to walk down to the one by Southgate. It's very hard to walk down there because there's a lot of traffic and there's only three buses that go there, the last one leaves at one o' clock. It's not that good a service so people will have a hard time.

"Others will have problems because they'll have to use their cars instead of walking and the roads will get busier. There'll be a lot of traffic and pollution.

"If I could talk to the people who want to close it down I'd tell them it's hard for us to get places because we are on a hill and old people will find it hard to get to the post office because the bus service does not stop at the old people's home.

"My dad says it's fairly easy to get to the post office we've got now even though the roads are quite busy. But to go to the one down in Southgate is hard because the pavement does not run all the way."

"The Government should change the rules"

There was a very interesting interview on Radio Wales this morning featuring the Tory MP for Monmouth, David Davies.

He was speaking about the proposed closures, announced today, of 25 post offices in the south east of Wales. I think you'll agree his comments are applicable to branches throughout the land.

The interview is well worth a listen. To hear it copy and paste the web address below into your address bar.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7180000/newsid_7188800/7188875.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&bbcws=1

The Big Issue

Many thanks to Greg Lewis for writing about our campaign in this week's edition of The Big Issue.

Greg is one of the finest Journalists we have in Wales (and beyond!) so his words mean a lot.

His blog is called What Is Wales And What Is It For? I've included it in the links section, I recommend you give it a visit.

Here's The Big Issue piece in full.

They call it the tyranny of numbers – the way figures and statistics dominate our lives.

If auditors and bean counters can't get the columns to add up, jobs go, services go, a bit of life is shaved off.

Well, some people won't accept it.

Take post office closures.

Campaigns have sprung up all over by folk who recognise the central role their post office plays in their town.

One such community is Llantrisant where a closure would have a great effect on many older residents.

A Journalist in the town has created a blog to support the threatened post office.

He's using a modern medium but the work is pure old-style journalism.

"Llantrisant is an historic town and everything in Llantrisant has died and gone," says one resident given voice on the site.

"The post office means a lot to me, I use it nearly every day. I meet all my friends here, I get my pension, I do my banking, post letters and parcels too."

The blog gets to the heart of what it means to be part of a community.

Not something that can be measured by profit, turnover or footfall.

The quotes that make the case

This website is all about voices and what follows, ahead of what will be a busy and decisive week, is a round-up of some of the best quotes on this site.

The following will give anyone new to the Save Llantrisant Post Office campaign a very good indication of the strength of feeling both in the town and beyond.

I think you'll agree that the views expressed below augment and make the argument for keeping our post office open both compelling and, most importantly, right.

"Say it snows up here - how are we going to get to these other places? It's not fair. There are more old people up here than young ones, the threat of closure makes me bloody mad." Gwyn Rees, 80, High Street, Llantrisant.

"I use the post office every Monday. I've been using it for ten years. If this one closes I'd have to get a taxi to go to another post office and that would cost me £4." Stroke victim Mark Mortimer, London House, Llantrisant.

"The post office is a service which is paid for by taxes for the convenience of the people. It's not supposed to be a profit-making business at all no more than any of the other services, like the health service." Creighton Lewis, Llantrisant resident and Advisor to the National Public Health Service.

"It's absurd that they are planning these closures at the same time as the Royal Mail Chief Executive is to get an enormous bonus taking his total salary to £1.3 million a year." Leanne Wood AM, Plaid Cymru

"I feel sorry for the pensioners I do, because it's all hill in Llantrisant." Rita Howells, Heol Gwynno.

"I'm disgusted a Labour government is doing this because at the end of the day they own 51% of it, don't they? I think it's terrible." Michael Welsh, Gwaunruperra, Llantrisant

"There are no pedestrian crossings en route to the post offices people (especially the elderly) would have to use if Llantrisant post office closed." Colin Williams, Operations Director of local business n-ergy.

"The post office is the heart of our town, always has been, always will be." Vivian Holloway, Dan Caerlan, Llantrisant.

"I find it incredibly difficult to accept the proposed closure of Llantrisant Post Office and, given its incongruence with the Llantrisant Old Town Regeneration Strategy, must insist on offering my support to defending this branch." Jane Davidson AM.

"Llantrisant is an historic town and everything in Llantrisant has died and gone, it's all gone down to Talbot Green and Penygawsi. The post office means a lot to me, I use it nearly every day. I meet all my friends here, I get my pension, I do my banking, post letters and parcels too." Violet Doster, Dan Y Felin.

"When I visited Llantrisant Post Office it was clear that it would be hugely irresponsible to withdraw this facility," Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks, South Wales Central.

"We try and help everybody," Colin Cranness, Llantrisant's Post Master.

In case you missed it...

...you should be able to view The Politics Show feature on our post office if you cut and paste the following link into your website address bar.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_7020000/newsid_7026700?redirect=7026734.stm&news=1&nbram=1&bbram=1

The feature is towards the end of the programme at approximately 22 minutes.

I'd be very interested to hear what people thought of it.

For my part, although Chris Franks and Jane Davidson made some pertinent, powerful, albeit brief points, I found it bizarre that not a single customer - the post office's lifeblood - was featured.

I've interviewed a number of town citizens and the passion they have for their post office is wonderful. It's a shame it wasn't conveyed in the programme...at least some of their views can be read on this site.

POSTSCRIPT: I've been told that the post office feature was going to be covered in more depth but the Peter Hain story took precedence. Oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes.

The Politics Show

The fight to save our post office is likely to be featured on this Sunday's edition of The Politics Show which is on BBC1 Wales from 12pm - 1pm.

I've been informed our campaign is "likely" to be covered since, as with all news-related programmes, a really big story could tear up the schedule, so fingers crossed Sunday is a quiet news day.

Filming for the programme took place in town this week, this morning was a particularly busy time in the post office as you can see!

Pictured above is Jane Davidson, AM for Pontypridd, being interviewed by The Politics Show's Mark Hannaby.

In the picture below, also taken today are (left to right): Councillor Glynne Holmes, Post Master Colin Cranness, Jane.

(Thanks to Ciaran, Mark and The Politics Show crew for taking an interest in our story. Thanks also to Gareth Mantle for supplying the picture of Jane Davidson being interviewed in the post office).

Huw Roberts writes...

Gareth Mantle, from Jane Davidson's office, kindly sent me a copy of a letter Jane recently received from Huw Roberts, Director Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group.

The letter was dated January 7th, below are extracts from Mr Roberts' letter.

MR ROBERTS ON THE FACTORS CONSIDERED WHEN A POST OFFICE CLOSURE IS PROPOSED: "...customer usage (measured by customer session data) proximity (measured by road distance) to other branches, the branch's relative size to surrounding branches (used in order to calculate the impact of migration to surrounding branches) and commercial benefit to Post Office Ltd."

ON THE DIFFICULTY OF ACCESSING NEIGHBOURING POST OFFICES: "My colleagues and I have visited the Llantrisant area on a number of occasions and considerable research has been undertaken on the ground prior to public consultation.

"I acknowledge your point that the High Street is winding and hilly in particular with the juntion with Talbot Road, Cross Inn Road and Cardiff Road. However, there is a regular bus service in operation to both neighbouring branches with the journey taking approximately five minutes."

ON TAKING PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL BENEFITS INTO CONSIDERATION: "Post Office Ltd has contacted every local authority in the country to ask for any information they hold on future regeneration plans, improved transport links and any road improvements. The aim is to ensure Post Office Ltd has one eye firmly on the future when designing a network of sustainable Post Offices."

ON THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON COSTS TO THE POST OFFICE AND A TARGET FOR USAGE WHEREBY THE BRANCH WOULD BE SUSTAINABLE: "Our financial information is held in commercial confidence and will not be made public."

ON THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTATION: "...it's not to undertake a detailed scrutiny of our financial position or comparison of such between branches. The consultation is about giving stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the service provision proposed...an opportunity to bring to our attention information we should be considering in our decision. Financial information does not fall into this category...profit for an individual subpostmaster does not necessarily translate as a profit for Post Office Ltd.

"Pay is the most significant cost in our business model, and as we reduce our prices to compete, we cannot cut pay by the same rates."

Do you think Mr Roberts' arguments are convincing? Are all his points, particularly with regard to the bus service, factually correct? Let him know what you think!

You can leave a comment here.

Alternatively you can write to Huw at the following address: Huw Roberts, Director of Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group, 220 Penarth Road, Cardiff.

You can also contact Jane Davidson at: Unit 10, Maritime Office, Woodland Terrace, Maesycoed, Pontypridd, CF37 1DZ.

I'll keep you updated on any feedback/responses I receive regarding Mr Roberts' letter.

Coach trip to Westminster (2)

Colin the Post Master has told me there are approximately ten places left on the coach that will take us to London to see Kim Howells MP next Wednesday.

I'm sure that as well as putting our very important message across the trip will also be fun too so if you're thinking of coming, be decisive, show your support and forward your name!

Feel free to e-mail me or simply pop in to the post office and add your name to the list.

I reckon you should because it will be a day that all who travel in aid of the Llantrisant branch and, in so doing, our community, will remember for a very long time.

(Just to let you know the trip is free of charge, thanks to a very kind and much appreciated donation by a Llantrisant-based businessman who wishes to remain anonymous. The bus will leave for London at 7am, from the Bull Ring, it's estimated we should be back in Llantrisant at approx 7pm)

The business view

In the picture: Three of the men who've done so much in the fight to keep our post office open (from left to right) Allan Matheson (Colin, the Post Master's, 'Campaign Manager'), Colin Williams (details below) and Councillor Glynne Holmes.

So far this site has largely concentrated on hearing the views of the older folk in Llantrisant.

Now it's time to hear the equally powerful opinions of our business community, all of whose work would be severely hampered if our post office were to close.

In November Colin Williams, Operations Director of n-ergy, a firm specialising in business growth (see links) wrote an extremely comprehensive 1,500 word letter to Post Office Ltd's Steve Geraty outlining the many reasons why our branch should stay open.

He touched on issues like location, parking, the elderly, tourism, social inclusion and transport.

Here he outlines how the closure of the Swan Street premises would hit both him and our town's entrepreneurs.

"We are a recently established business and are located directly opposite the Llantrisant branch Post Office.

"We purchased and renovated one of the town’s historic premises, The Old Parish Offices, and now employ 11 people from the site. The proximity of our town's post office was a major, positive consideration in our decision to base ourselves here. The service they provide us is of extreme importance and closure would definitely raise our costs.

"In my view the alternatives suggested in the Post Office’s Document 'Proposed branch closure' have been made without any apparent factual and practical consideration.

"If we were to use either alternative this would add at least one hour per day for our administration staff – one of whom is registered disabled. They would need to drive to Talbot Green or Cross Inn to access the services of a Post Office - much of our mail is sent registered or recorded delivery, so a post box isn’t convenient for us.

"Llantrisant has many small businesses situated around the post office, it is a town that has resurrected itself from the negative impact of superstore establishment in the seventies and eighties, a time when nearly all local businesses closed.

"The town now has many small businesses of varying nature serviced by our post office. We have a thriving community with increasing commercial activity and this in itself will attract more small businesses to the town and therefore more employment. The closure of our post office will make Llantrisant less attractive for future investment by existing and new business.

"As well as this our branch is the nearest one to the Llantrisant Business Park (home of the Royal Mint). It offers ample parking for business and disabled users alike, far better than either of the alternatives identified by the Post Office.

"I would ask the Post Office to seriously consider the closure of the Llantrisant branch. There are exceptional reasons why it must no be closed. Our post office provides a commercial as well as a public Service to the town."

"I feel sorry for the pensioners"

"I was devastated when I heard the news they might be closing it down," said Rita Howells of Heol Gwynno when I spoke to her on New Year's Eve.

"I pay my electric and gas bills here everytime I get my pension. I use the post office up to three times a week. I get my cards here, sometimes I get cake from the shop, too.

"The old people in the complex come up here, what will they do if it goes?

"I feel sorry for the pensioners I do, because it's all hill in Llantrisant."

Your voice is being heard

A worry expressed by some town people in recent months has been the fact that not all letters sent to Network Development Manager Steve Geraty have been acknowledged.

So I was heartened today when I received a response to a letter I recently sent to Huw Roberts, Director Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group.

Earlier this month I asked Mr Roberts to visit this site and read the opinions of Llantrisant folk. I also asked him to acknowledge my invitation in writing.

Today I received a reply, dated January 4th. This is what Mr Roberts wrote.

"Thank you for your letter dated January 2nd and for bringing the Save Llantrisant Post Office site to our attention.

"While the consultation period on the proposal to close Llantrisant Post Office has come to an end, the comments posted on the site so far will form part of the consultation process and will be taken into consideration prior to a final decision."

You can't get much fairer than that can you?

A glance at the opinions expressed from the date this site began to January 4th shows that a lot of persuasive and passionate views were aired.

So I'd like to thank Huw for visiting this site and replying to my letter.

I'd also like to thank him again soon...for being part of the decision-making team that decided to keep Llantrisant Post Office open!

Coach trip to Westminster

A coach trip to Westminster, to meet Kim Howells MP, is being arranged by Councillor Glynne Holmes, the date has been set for Wednesday January 16th.

Those travelling will assemble in the Bull Ring at 6.45am, the coach will leave for London at 7am.

If you are interested in going - and the more the merrier! - please pop into the post office and see Colin. Alternatively, e-mail me and I will pass your details on.

This is a great opportunity for us all to express how we feel and to generate more publicity for our cause so I would urge as many townfolk as possible to sign up for the trip, it can only make our case stronger.

And I'm sure it will be fun too.

So sign up today!

Davidson "encouraged" by Postwatch announcement

A press release received this afternoon, thanks to Gareth Mantle from Jane Davidson's office for sending it on.

Jane Davidson, AM for Pontypridd, says she is encouraged by a recent letter, received from Eifion Pritchard, Chairman of Postwatch Wales, which gives hope to those opposed to the closing of Llantrisant’s Post Office.

Naming Llantrisant Post Office as one of four in Cardiff and Glamorgan Valleys region to be of particular concern to them, Postwatch’s letter states that there are “aspects of Post Office Ltd’s plan which are unsatisfactory”.

Postwatch’s investigation of the proposal to close Llantrisant Post Office, following their analysis of Post Office Ltd’s data and public submissions, including a detailed letter from Jane, has resulted in Post Office Ltd agreeing Postwatch’s request to review their plans.

Jane Davidson said: “I am encouraged by Postwatch’s request that Post Office Ltd reconsider its proposal to close Llantrisant Post Office. I have been contacted by many, many constituents who were extremely concerned about the potential loss of this important service, and have ensured that their views are forwarded to the relevant people, notably Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager of Post Office Ltd.

”I will continue to fight for the maintenance of Llantrisant Post Office using all means available to me, as I am strongly of the opinion that its invaluable service must be maintained.”

A ray of hope in post office closure battle

The following story appeared in the South Wales Echo on January 5th. Fair play to Echo Journalist David James for being ahead of the pack.

(Note, for more stories from the Echo please click on Media Wales in the Links section)

FOUR of the South Wales post office branches threatened with closure have been given a ray of hope.

Watchdog Postwatch has officially opposed plans to close four of the 31 branches affected by the brutal branch cull in the region.

The consumer body has demanded a review which the Post Office is obliged to carry out once the decision is announced at the end of January.

Postmasters at the four branches affected – Llantrisant; High Street, Barry; Splott Road, Cardiff, and Cogan Pill – gave the news a cautious welcome.

Colin Cranness, who has run the Swan Street branch in Llantrisant for 15 years, said: “It’s interesting, there’s hope. They are a good independent party to have on board.”

Yet the results of consultations on post office closure proposals in four different areas of England have been a blow to South Wales’ postmasters’ hopes.

Only 10 of 231 branches slated for closure in Kent, East Essex, East Midlands and East Yorkshire were given a reprieve following the six-week consultation in those areas.

And a different 10 post offices have now been named as replacement closures. In those areas, 51 of the closures are being reviewed under the agreement with Postwatch.

In a letter, Postwatch’s chairman in Wales Eifion Pritchard described the plans to close the four branches as “unsatisfactory” but stressed that the watchdog could not veto the proposals.

Plaid AM Chris Franks said he was disappointed the body had not objected to more closures.

He said: “While this news is welcome for the branches affected, it is bad news for the other post offices that the Westminster Government has sought to close.

“Because of the way the Government has planned this, if one post office is saved it is very likely that another will be forced to close.”

Pontypridd AM Jane Davidson, who represents Llantrisant, said she was encouraged by the news.

But Plaid AM Leanne Wood described it as a “mixed blessing” because it meant Postwatch was “effectively endorsing” the other 27 closures.

A decision on the Post Office closures is expected to be announced at the end of January and it is believed that the January 22 date has been pencilled in for the public announcement.

In total, a sixth of Britain’s post office branches will have to close under an agreement between the Post Office and the Government because of dwindling business.

Several local campaigns to save branches are still ongoing and journalist John Gilheaney has set up a site at savellantrisantpostoffice. blogspot.com to fight for the Swan Street branch.

david.james@mediawales.co.uk

Watchdog demands closure rethink

I must say that, on a cold, rainy, miserable Monday morning in January it was quite a tonic to receive the following press release, which was very kindly sent to me by Plaid Cymru AM, Chris Franks

A consumer watchdog's formal demand for a rethink of plans to close Llantrisant post office on Swan Street has been given a cautious welcome by Plaid Cymru politicians.

In a letter to Plaid Cymru, Postwatch, the consumer postal watchdog, states: "... we believe that there are particular aspects of Post Office Ltd's plan which are unsatisfactory...these relate to the following post offices: ... Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf ...."

The letter continues: "We have therefore requested the above proposals are reviewed."

Under plans put out to public consultation before Christmas the post offices at Swan Street, Llantrisant; Cardiff Road, Nantgarw; Graigwen; Hopkinstown; the Graig; Tynybryn Road; and Trehafod will all be closed.

In his letter to Plaid Cymru, Eifion Pritchard, Chair of Postwatch Wales adds: "For other closure proposals within the area plan, we expect Post Office Ltd to implement them."

Plaid Assembly Member Chris Franks responded: "I am very glad that the watchdog have called for a rethink of the closure of the post office on Swan Street. It is a tribute to the campaign fought by local people.

"However, Plaid is opposed to this entire closure plan. We are disappointed that Postwatch have not objected to more of the proposed branch closures.

"While this news is to be welcomed, it is worrying news for the other post offices that the Westminster government has sought to close. Because the government is forcing the Royal Mail to close 2,500 post offices, if one branch is saved another may be forced to close."

Plaid's Leanne Wood AM (pictured above) added: "Plaid has consistently opposed these savage cuts to our local postal services. It's absurd that they are planning these closures at the same time as the Royal Mail Chief Executive is to get an enormous bonus taking his total salary to £1.3 million a year."

Radyr folk join the fight

It's always nice to get support from beyond the town. I received these pleasing words of encouragement at the weekend.

"I'd like to add my name to hat of the others you have received. I am
outraged at the proposal to close post offices in general and Llantrisant
post office in particular.

"I speak on behalf of a group of local neighbours in Radyr, South Glamorgan, who were discussing the matter last night. We were a group of 7 people.

"PLEASE KEEP LLANTRISANT POST OFFICE OPEN!"

Sue Shields

Thank you very much, Sue, it's reassuring to know that it's not only those in Llantrisant who are fighting the good fight.

"I'm disgusted a Labour government is doing this"

The words of Michael Welsh, who lives in Gwaunruperra, Llantrisant, and whom I interviewed on New Year's Eve, speak for themselves.

"I think the proposed closure is disgusting to be honest with you.

"We are an elderly community so where can we go? They say go down to Penygawsi but the roads are dangerous and the aisles in the post office down there are small, the elderly "on sticks", or in wheelchairs will have big problems. And when they fill shelves you can't move, I know, I've been there.

"As for Talbot Green, well that's the other side of town - I'm lucky I've got a car but that's not the point is it?

"They say they're closing the post offices because they're not making money. Well who's to say that our post office isn't making money? It seems they're closing them willy nilly to me, they haven't studied the terrain that we have to put up with in this area.

"We're on a hill and we need our post office.

"I use the post office every week for my pension, for birthday cards, greeting cards. I mean if I wanted a stamp where do I go if this isn't open?

"Where do I go if I want to send a letter by recorded delivery?

"I'm disgusted a Labour government is doing this because at the end of the day they own 51% of it, don't they? I think it's terrible."

BBC contact

A Journalist from BBC Wales was in touch this morning. He said he was researching the political background to the proposed closures.

I have asked the researcher in question, Ciaran, to keep me updated about the programme he is working on.

As soon as I hear of a broadcast date I will upload the news here.

Thank you Mr B

On Wednesday night I had a chat with my great friend, the Journalist Fred Brenton.

He suggested inviting TV news reporters out to Llantrisant to descend and then ascend the hill, the way elderly townfolk will have to should our post office close and they are forced to use other outlets in the area.

A press release was written and circulated this morning asking news editors to send out reporters who have piled on the pounds over the festive season (this is one way to lose them!) so thanks for the suggestion Mr B!

Let's hope we get some feedback soon and let's also hope we can get some AMs and Post Office bosses to visit the town should the cameras come. It would make for an interesting journey, if a rather breathless discussion!

Post office fight may go to London

The following news story, by Matthew Thomas, can be found in this week's edition of the Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer.

CAMPAIGNERS battling to keep Llantrisant Post Office open have vowed to take their fight to Westminster.

Following a public meeting, protestors agreed plans to visit London this month to drive home their message.

Coun Glynne Holmes said: “We are often told that Post Office Ltd is a private concern and that we have to accept this. The Government however has a majority holding therefore we must now take the battle to London.

“The postal service as we know it today started off in 1840 as a nationalised concern completely owned with a 100 per cent holding by the government. What has happened?

“I am proposing a coach party to go to London and lobby our MP at Westminster and if need be make our voice heard at 10 Downing Street, if we can gain permitted access off Whitehall.

“Ultimately, the battle must continue against Post Office Ltd who have a 49 per cent stake and the Government with the lion's share of 51 per cent.

“I have received an encouraging letter of support from the Member of Parliament and excellent copies of letters from Jane Davidson, our Assembly member who has further stated our case with solid reasons for the post office to remain open.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the demonstration should add their name to a list in Llantrisant Post Office.

If you want to register your opposition to this post office closure you can visit http://savellantrisantpostoffice.blogspot.com online or write to The Observer at pontypridd.observer@mediawales.co.uk by email or send a letter to our postal address.

"A contributor to social exclusion"

I would like to give a big thank you to Richard Hall, a Methodist Minister in South Wales who runs a blog called, Connexions.

Yesterday, while browsing the index of Blog Cymru entries, I saw one entitled Save Llantrisant Post Office and, to my delight, it wasn't written by me!

This is what Richard wrote:

"It is undeniable that in Britain’s small towns and villages, the Post Office is a vital public service. For the mobile and active, the closure of a Post Office may mean nothing worse than an inconvenient trip into town. For the elderly, disabled and those with small children, the same closure can be a real contributor to social exclusion.

"Post Office branches across Britain are under threat in a drive to cut costs and improve efficiency. One such is in the South Wales town of Llantrisant. A journalist in the town is fighting the closure by setting up a blog called, appropriately enough, Save Llantrisant Post Office, to gather reactions from local people.

"Great stuff. I wish them well."

Thank you very much, Richard, your support is most welcome. As I've mentioned before, entries on the Blog Cymru index are read by AMs, MPs, and a fine assembly of voices across Wales, so thanks for giving our campaign in Llantrisant a mention.

You can visit Richard's site by clicking on Connexions in the links section of this site.

"It's the heart of the town, always has been, always will be"

One of the most passionate people I've spoken to about the proposed closure of our post office was Vivian Holloway from Dan Caerlan, Llantrisant.

He emphasised the difficulties pensioners will have in using the proposed alternatives and he didn't mince his words when it came to criticising Westminster's politicians.

This is what Vivian said.

"It's alright for people to say it's only so many miles to the next post office but they don't realise you have to go down a hill, across two main roads - how are old people going to come back up?

"That's the way I look at it, I think if this post office closes it would be disgusting.

"People in Parliament are trying to close it down and they know nothing about it, nothing about the situation here. They are talking a load of rubbish.

"I use this post office every week. I use it for my pension, I do all my banking here, this is the main place for me.

"I even get pensions for other people as well, those who can't come at the moment because they're ill or for whatever reason. I don't know how they'd manage if it goes.

"I've got a car at the moment but I'm not always going to have a car so how will I get to the next one (post office)?

"I feel very upset about it, I really do.

"Where else could I bank? I'd have to go to Talbot, Cardiff, Pontypridd. There's no chance for us, especially in a town like this and I think we - us old age pensioners - are the majority.

"The post office is the heart of any town, always has been, always will be

"I'm 77 and I've been using this post office for years and years and years, since before it was here in Swan Street.

"As for Colin, what a man! The best Post Master there is, first class. He and his wife Lynne will do anything for you and we will lose a good man in him if the post office goes."

Closure would be "hugely irresponsible" says Plaid AM

Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks, South Wales Central, kindly contacted me today.

This is what he wrote.

"When I visited Llantrisant Post Office it was clear that it would be hugely irresponsible to withdraw this facility.

"I fear that the UK government is determined that thousands of additional Post Offices will close but we must do all we can to save the network of Post Offices especially LLantrisant."

Chris Franks AM, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1NA
e-mail: christopher.franks@wales.gov.uk

Jane Davidson writes...

Gareth Mantle, from Jane Davidson's office, kindly e-mailed me today. He sent me copies of two letters Jane has recently written regarding the proposed closure of our post office.

You can find one of them, written to Post Office Network Development Manager Steve Geraty, in full on the website entry entitled: News update (+ letter sent by Jane Davidson to Steve Geraty)

The letter you'll find on this blog entry was written by Jane, Assembly Member for Pontypridd, on December 20th and sent to Huw Roberts, Royal Mail Group, Director of Welsh Affairs, 3rd Floor, 220 Penarth Road, CARDIFF, CF11 8TA. A copy was also sent to Mr Geraty.

Here's the contents of that letter.

Dear Mr Roberts

RE: PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LLANTRISANT POST OFFICE

Thank you very much for your response to my letter dated November 28th and for your assurance that its contents will be considered by the National Consultation Team before arriving at a final decision.

In your response, you informed me of the four criteria that are being used in identifying post office branches for closure. It seems to me that two of these are particularly pertinent to the case of Llantrisant Post Office and, in addition to the issues raised in my previous letter, I will now proceed to make further representations on behalf of my constituents regarding these two criteria.

Firstly, you name one criterion as being the ‘proximity of nearby branches’, which leads me to seek confirmation as to the flexibility of such a title. Indeed, with the case of Llantrisant Post Office, it is not so much the proximity of alternative branches that will cause difficulties as it is difficulties in their access. The problem then is not that they are not close enough; rather, it is that they are not easy to get to.

To elaborate, the path to the alternative branches is not straightforward: the steepness of the hill combines with the inadequacy of the pavements to result in what may be considered a dangerous route to take, especially for elderly users. On this issue, I enquire as to the possibility of a visit to the branch so that these difficulties can be properly accounted for during the consultation period.

Secondly, regarding the criterion of the ‘financial benefit of closure to Post Office Ltd’, I include additional information of business usage for your information and also ask that this criterion not be restrained to being only retrospective.

The Model House Craft & Design Centre, which is opposite the branch, houses sixteen separate units, of which eleven are businesses. In addition to the high volume of personal usage that is generated by employees of these businesses, the businesses themselves rely on the service to sustain and grow their enterprises. Indeed, I understand from my constituents that the majority of these businesses make use of the branch on a daily basis for a variety of services including postage, banking and bills.

On top of these businesses, there are upwards of twenty other takeaways, clubs, pubs and cafes that all use the branch for the day-to-day running of their business. Statistically, there are at least fifteen organisations that use the branch for postage and for bills as well as four others who rely on the branch for their banking. Furthermore, nearby Llantrisant Business Park has forty-one businesses in operation, many of which use the branch. In particular, I understand that the large Buy as You View organisation make great use of the branch.

The usage of the branch translates into the following in monetary terms. The figures below represent transactions during the period 25/10/07 – 21/11/07.

Service/Quantity/Amount(in £’000s)

Cash Withdrawal/226/17.5
Bill Payments/804/22
Pension Payments/678/97
Business Banking/57/21.2
Phone E. Top-Up/151/1.1

Mail Type/Quantity

Special Delivery/23
Postage Labels/509
Airmail/79
Stamp Books Solo/194
Recorded Mail Sent/152
Inland Mails Sent/591
Overseas Mails Sent/88

Referring back to your criterion of the ‘financial benefit of closure to Post Office Ltd’ I would be extremely grateful if you could elaborate on the costs to the Post Office and possibly provide a target for usage whereby the branch would be sustainable. As well as this, I would be grateful if you could address my concern that prospective financial benefits are considered in addition to retrospective financial benefits.

I ask this due to the fact that the redevelopment of Llantrisant Business Park is now underway. As of August this year, the construction company Midas is starting Phase One of the Park’s regeneration strategy. The proposed extension will bring an additional twenty-four businesses to the locality of the branch, which will further increase its usage. I therefore request that this is taken into consideration in terms of the potential future gains that could accrue to Post Office Ltd. In doing so, I ask that the ‘financial benefits’ are not strictly retrospective.

Combining all of the above, I feel it an imperative that I continue to offer my support to the many residents that have contacted me concerned as to the proposals for Llantrisant Post Office. I would therefore be extremely grateful if you could address the issues that I have raised on their behalf.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,


Jane Davidson
Assembly Member for Pontypridd

cc. Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager, Post Office Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM

Jane's address: Constituency Office, Unit 10, Maritime Offices, Woodland Terrace, Maesycoed, Pontypridd, CF37 1DZ Tel: 01443 406400 Fax: 01443 406402
Email address: Jane.Davidson@wales.gov.uk

"I meet all my friends here"

Mrs Violet Doster from Dan Y Felin, Llantrisant spoke for many when I met her on New Year's Eve.

Here she expresses what the post office means to her and also the problems the disabled will face if the premises in Swan Street closes.

"My thoughts on the proposed closure are the same as most people's - we're devastated.

"Llantrisant is an historic town and everything in Llantrisant has died and gone, it's all gone down to Talbot Green and Penygawsi and I think it's a shame really because people run businesses up here and they need somewhere to put their money in.

"The post office means a lot to me, I use it nearly every day. I meet all my friends here, I get my pension, I do my banking, post letters and parcels too.

"If the post office closed I'd have to do my business at Penygawsi but you see I'm lucky, I've got a car - lots of people haven't - and I'm young enough to drive. Lots of old people can't get down to Penygawsi and in Talbot Green you can't park, it's lethal down there.

"If I could speak to the people who will make the decision I'd say this: 'There's an old age complex in Llantrisant and the people there find it difficult enough to get up here in Swan Street. You say there's wheelchair access down in the alternative post offices we'd have to use but there isn't because everything is in the aisles, I know, I have a partner who is in a wheelchair and it's very awkward to get into places.'"

A simple favour

I would like to begin this entry by wishing all viewers of this site a very Happy New Year.

I would also like to ask a favour.

Could all readers of this webpage mention this site's address (www.savellantrisantpostoffice.blogspot.com) in letters and communications they have with the Post Office/Media/MPs and AMs?

I don't make this request out of vanity (there's no need to mention my name at all) I ask this for a few simple reasons - I want this site to be an extra weapon in our bid to save the post office, a chance for the people who have kindly given their time and expressed their views here to have their voices heard by the people that matter!

Let's keep on writing and keep on using our post office until the day the decision is made.

(I was out interviewing folk on New Year's Eve. Log in later to read more fresh and vibrant opinions from the good people of our town). Thank you.