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