Save Llantrisant Post Office

Thank you

2008-04-26T01:03:00.004+01:00

Thank you Colin and Lynne, I'm so glad you had a lovely send off.

Here's a nice pic of two of Llantrisant's all-time finest.

Your charm and dedication will never be forgotten.

Goodbye to Colin and Lynne

2008-04-17T12:31:00.003+01:00

Llantrisant Workingmen's Club is hosting an evening which will celebrate the great contribution to our community of Colin and Lynne.

Tickets for the buffet and entertainment, which will take place on Friday April 25th, cost £6 and are available at the Bull Ring store.

Council "unlikely to assume public subsidy"

2008-04-08T12:27:00.004+01:00

This morning I received a letter from Jane Davidson AM. She kindly enclosed a copy of a letter Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, wrote to her on March 31st, 2008.

(Cllr Roberts' letter was in response to one Jane sent to him on March 12th in which she enquired into the authority's view of Essex County Council's interest in taking over the running of Posts Offices in that area).

Sadly, as the contents below reveal, our council is not in a position to follow the bold lead of Essex.

Dear Jane

Re: Llantrisant Post Office

Thank you for your letter dated March 12th regarding Llantrisant post office and Essex County Council's plans, which I understand are currently the subject of negotiations with Post Office Ltd.

You may be aware that the Council has made a number of strong and unequivocal representations opposing the closure of post offices in Rhondda Cynon Taf. In December, I wrote on behalf of the Council to Post Office Ltd, during its consultation on the closure proposals outlining in the clearest terms our objection to the closure of those branches in the County Borough.

Given the challenging financial climate facing local authorities, including Rhondda Cynon Taf, it is unlikely the Council would be in a position to assume the public subsidy for post office branches in the County Borough. Clearly, this would have implications for resources in service areas for which we have direct responsibility rather than a keen interest as in the case of post offices.

I welcome the reopening of the Post Office Development Fund from 1st January 2009, and would also be interested should the Assembly Government decide to provide specific funding for local authorities to intervene as you suggest.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Russell Roberts
Leader of Cynon Taf County Borough Council

House of Hypocrites

2008-03-20T14:21:00.004Z

I thought it was worth putting this article (see below), by the Echo's Kate Bodinger, on site.

The front page headline on today's Echo, "Gutless", says it all.

I am furious with Kim Howells. A few weeks ago I asked myself if it was fair to say he was a hypocrite.

Well, because I try to look for the good in people I concluded he wasn't.

I was wrong.

I was naive.

During our campaign I can now see clearly how he revelled in equivocation, what a contrast his words were to the bold, forthright campaigning of Jane Davidson AM.

How can anyone trust a man like Howells, as far as I'm concerned he is about as straight as Spaghetti Junction.

Howells and the Labour MPs who abstained or voted with the Government yesterday should hang their heads in shame.

Read on.

SOUTH Wales Labour MPs this morning defended their decision not to back a Conservative plan to shelve post office closures.

Across South Wales more than 20 post office branches have been closed in the last few weeks.

The Conservative amendment proposed to suspend the closure programme pending further consultation. All MPs were given the opportunity to vote on the Tory proposal in the House of Commons last night.

Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan had campaigned against the closure of Llandaff North Post Office, but abstained in Parliament.

She said she did not feel she could support the Government or the Tory amendment.

“The proposal the Tories put forward hadn’t been thought through at all,” she said. “It was really a political gimmick. I didn’t feel I could support that either.

“I do accept in some ways it’s not the Government’s fault because people have stopped using the post offices. I just feel perhaps we could have had a more pro-active plan to save the post offices. I felt I was in a very difficult position.”

Caerphilly MP Wayne David had campaigned for the Twyn main post office in Caerphilly to be saved, but he voted against the amendment, and as a Labour whip would have helped to ensure that other Labour MPs backed the party line.

He said he had voted against the Tory motion because it represented “pious political opportunism” on the Opposition’s part.

He said: “I have always said the Post Office plc cannot keep losing £500,000 a day nationally. Money has got to be saved but it is up to the Post Office how to save that money.”

“What happened last night was a Tory stunt and I will continue to fight to save post offices like Gilfach, Bargoed which is still under review. It is not up to Government to tell the Post Office how to run its business.”

Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan also accused the opposition of “playing some politics”. “Post Offices are losing half a million pounds a day,” he said. “The network has to be reduced in size. They were just asking us to delay the consultation.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, MP for the Ogmore constituency, said he also backed the Government in the vote.

“I voted with the Government and against the opposition motion because I agree with the National Federation of Postmasters,” he said. “The political opportunism in opposition to simply ignore the crisis and bury their heads in the sand is quite something to behold. The Post Office needs to be put on a sustainable footing.”

Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon said: “I voted with the Government.

“I think the Tories were playing games with a very important issue. It’s completely hypocritical because they put nothing into the post office in 18 years of government

“I don’t play games. I fight for what is best for my constituents.”

But Post Office campaigners say Labour MPs in South Wales should have voted more strongly against the Government. Peter Gunnery, 64, a disabled grandad who went on hunger strike in protest at the proposed closure of his local post office on Sanquahar Street, Splott, Cardiff, said he was disappointed the plans were still going ahead.

He said: “Obviously I’m devastated that my post office is going to close but I’m resigned to it now. It does give me some hope that some Labour MPs have voted for a suspension of the closures. The Tories will never get back in Wales but I’m glad they are against the plans too.”

How they voted

Julie Morgan (Lab, Cardiff North) - abstained

John Smith (Lab, Vale of Glamorgan) - did not vote

Alun Michael (Lab, Cardiff Sth and Penarth) - voted with Government

Wayne David (Lab, Caerphilly) - voted with Government

Chris Bryant (Lab, Rhondda) - voted with Government

Kim Howells (Lab, Pontypridd) - voted with Government

Dai Harvard (Lab, Merthyr and Rhymney) - voted with Government

Huw Irranca-Davies (Lab, Ogmore) - voted with Government

Madeleine Moon (Lab, Bridgend) - voted with Government

Jenny Willott (Lib Dem, Cardiff Central) - voted against Government

Kevin Brennan (Lab, Cardiff West) - voted with Government

Essex leads the way

2008-03-12T10:33:00.003Z

Essex County Council's bold and well-publicised decision to consider reopening and running 15 post offices has brought an unexpected glimmer of hope to people across the country.

(For background information to this story please go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7289939.stm)

I contacted Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks and Labour AM Jane Davidson yesterday about this development and I was happy to hear that both of them are examining the possibilities that Essex's lead may bring.

Find below a copy of a letter, dated March 12th, that Jane has written to Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taff.

County Borough Councillor Russell Roberts
Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC
Leader’s Office
The Pavilions
Clydach Vale
Tonypandy
CF40 2XX

Dear Russell,

Re: Llantrisant Post Office

As you will be aware, I have been working closely with Llantrisant residents over recent months regarding the closure of the town’s Post Office.

Residents have recently contacted me in relation to the news reports of Essex County Council’s interest in taking over the running of a number of their county’s Post Offices, and are keen to learn whether RCT has considered a similar initiative.

I should be most grateful if you could provide me with your thoughts on this matter.

Best wishes

Yours sincerely

Jane Davidson
Assembly Member for Pontypridd

I will write a little letter to Russell later today informing him of this site and the strength of feeling in our town.

I will update you if and when I receive further information on this.

The final word

2008-03-02T18:55:00.006Z

I'll end this site with a picture of our beautiful town, one taken by Christine Gittins, a lady whose fine work is available in the Model House.

This photograph is partly for Post Office Ltd. an organisation which claimed it carried out extensive research in our area...but then wrote that the hilltop town of Llantrisant was "hilly in parts."

Well, that's like saying Everest has the occasional slope.

It was an insult to our intelligence and particularly the old people of our town, but I'll let that go now, it's time to move on.

This site is closing today and the fight has been lost.

However, I console myself with the knowledge that our campaign showed there's a great spirit amongst our townfolk.

The town on the hill will keep on shining and keep on looking resplendent from miles around, that's a certainty.

I hope good times lie ahead for Llantrisant because our townfolk deserve a taste of fortune.

I wish Colin and Lynne all the best in the future.

Social evening

2008-03-01T14:48:00.000Z

There was a social evening at Caerlan Hall last night, it was to mark the closure of our post office.

I was due to go but some last minute personal problems scuppered my plans, much to my disappointment.

If anyone wants to write about the evening or has some pix they want to share, the stage is yours, be my guest, just get in touch.

I'm really sorry I could not attend, I hope it was a good evening.

A word on Postwatch Wales

2008-02-29T00:32:00.001Z

This site has fully documented the awful conduct of Postwatch Wales.

I pity any post office that's backed by this organisation.

Why?

Well the best analogy I can think of this.

Imagine going to court and finding, as the Judge does his summing up, that your Solicitor has had a change of heart and joined the Prosecution.

That's the kind of support Postwatch Wales gave us.

Postwatch, you let us down.

Is Kim Howells a hypocrite?

2008-02-28T21:08:00.007Z

I will close this site soon, I don't see any reason for it continuing. But before I stop, a few parting shots.

Today, on the way to work, I heard a news story on the radio in which the Tories accused several cabinet ministers of "rank hypocrisy" for campaigning to save post offices in their constituencies, despite the Government's decision to back the closure policy last year.

Shadow Post Office Minister Charles Hendry said: "Cabinet ministers have a responsibility to explain to their own constituency why decisions to close post offices were right, rather than just saying their constituencies should be exempted."

These words made me ponder the role of our MP, Dr Kim Howells. "Is he a rank hypocrite?" I asked myself as I drove along the M4.

Dr Howells' problem, at least for us, was that he had a foot in both camps.

Being generous we could say that when we visited him at the House of Commons he outlined both sides of the argument.

But I knew, when he sidestepped my invitation for him to visit our post office, that he was not fully behind us.

You certainly can't compare the calculated arguments he expressed to the passion of Jane Davidson AM who was unequivocal in her support for our campaign.

Just read the words she said on the day we went to Parliament. Why couldn't Foreign Office Minister Dr Howells make a speech like that in aid of us?

So, when it came to his role in our campaign, is it fair to say he was a hypocrite?

No, I think that's too harsh.

But could he have done more?

Yes, he certainly could.

Kim, you let us down.

Our post office closes today

2008-02-26T22:06:00.005Z

A few years ago, when I worked for a magazine called Wales in Action, I wrote a feature about the benefits of community housing.

The gentleman I interviewed said he believed this mode of living saved the lives of the old people it helped.

That was quite a statement to make, yet the more I thought about it the more it made sense.

The interviewee said an elderly person living alone may not have anything to smile about all day.

However he believed that by being part of a social group, the spirits of lonely or isolated souls could be rejuvenated.

Those words frequently sprang to mind during the last two months. In fact I think his comments apply as much to the social benefits of a post office as they do to his field of expertise.

To some it may seem excessive to ponder whether the closure of a post office is a matter of life and death.

But for our old people, our community, our businesses and, of course, the branch itself, that statement does not seem an exaggerated one to me.

That's why today is one of the saddest in the history of our town.

Colin, our wonderful Sub Postmaster, memorably said that the decision to close our post office would rip the heart out of Llantrisant. Well, today that graphic opinion comes to pass, soon the impact will be felt.

But while the decision to close our branch remains shocking, the reasoning and behaviour of Post Office Ltd and Postwatch Wales lamentable, we can at least take a small sense of consolation in the hardy campaign our townfolk fought.

Special mentions must go to Councillor Glynne Holmes, Community Councillor Allan Matheson and Jane Davidson AM - nobody can fault their vigour and devotion to the cause.

And then, of course, there's Colin and Lynne.

Today we're not only losing what many consider to be the hub of the community, we're also losing the great charm and professionalism of this lovely couple.

They have served the people of Llantrisant superbly over the last 16 years.

It's not often you meet folk who excel in both their work and their people skills but Colin and Lynne certainly did. You could always be guaranteed a smile and a helping hand when visiting their branch.

We've been lucky to have had such a great duo serving us for all these years, I know that the people of Llantrisant deeply appreciate all their work and time.

I wish I could conclude this entry on a happy note but I feel very sad today.

Yesterday morning I spoke to my next door neighbour Maureen, a senior member of our community, and she said she could not believe she has been in Llantrisant post office for the last time. She spoke in a tone of shock, her expression was one of disbelief.

I can't believe that after today our post office will have gone, either.

This is a very sad day for our town.

The walk of a guilty man

2008-02-25T22:38:00.005Z

I can't help but feel that the following story (see below), which appeared in Saturday's Echo, is not evidence of bravery, as the writer suggests, but more a case of a guilty conscience in need of healing.

If Post Office Chief Steve Geraty is so keen to "walk the walk" why didn't he do so in Llantrisant?

Mr Geraty says he was here last year - well did anyone see him? Why did he not have the courtesy to pop in and say hello to Colin, our Sub Postmaster, when he was in town?

As Colin says, if he visited our Swan Street branch he could have avoided making the ludicrous, shamefully uneducated assertion that the hilltop town of Llantrisant is "hilly in parts".

Here's the story anyway....

YOU can’t accuse him of not walking the walk.

A Post Office chief leading the cull of 30 branches in South Wales stunned councillors in a village fighting the closure of its branch by agreeing to walk with them to the nearest alternative.

Wales manager Steve Geraty put his feet in the line of fire by joining councillors and Christine Chapman AM on the half-hour walk from Penrhiwceiber post office to the neighbouring branch in Perthcelyn.

Councillor Chris Binding said: “It’s good of him to come and see for himself.

“I have to say, I didn’t expect him to turn up. They did come and I hope it has given them an idea of how difficult it is to walk as it is a very steep hill.

“It took us about an hour to walk there and back.”

Councillors feel doubly cheated as the branch was not in the original list of 31 branches named as facing closure last year.

When it was announced that Splott Road, Cardiff, and High Street, Barry, were being reprieved, the Cynon Valley branch was put up for closure in its place.

Another nearby branch at Glyn Gwyn Street, Miskin, was in the first round and closes next week.

Coun Binding said that although the Miskin branch had been surrendered without a fight, few residents in Perthcelyn owned cars and felt aggrieved.

Although it is only 1km to the branch in Penrhiwceiber, the route is on a steep hill and the road is not direct.

Christine Chapman AM said: “Young and old people alike will be challenged by the steepness of the route and also the time it will take as there’s no bus service.”

Mr Geraty declined to comment on his walk.

A Post Office spokesman said: “As part of the public consultation process we are happy to meet with elected representatives, wherever that may be, and listen to their concerns.

“With regard to Perthcelyn, those concerns have been acknowledged and will form part of our considerations after the public consultation ends.”

A sad week looms

2008-02-24T19:15:00.005Z

Despite knowing for nearly a month that our post office is to close I still can't quite believe it will, even though its final day of business will take place this week.

The following story, which appeared in Friday's Echo, is a very poignant read indeed.

POSTMASTERS across South Wales today spoke of their sorrow and anger as they prepared to close their branches for the final time.

Some 23 of the 29 post offices slated for closure in the region are set to shut their doors next week, one month after their fate was sealed.

One postmaster is holding a wake for his branch the day after it closes.

Graham Holton, 56, who has run the Evansfield Road branch in Llandaff North, Cardiff, for five years said customers were invited to the Royal Exchange pub on Ty Mawr Road at 5.30pm on Thursday.

He said: “The customers aren’t taking it very well at all. Some don’t want to go to Whitchurch and some don’t want to go to Gabalfa because of the threat of the kids.

“What’s sad is that many are just going to have their pensions paid into the bank.”

Colin Cranness, who has run the Swan Street branch in Llantrisant with his wife Lynne for nearly 16 years, said that many of his customers had also decided to stop using the Post Office.

“I’ve seen my life go out of the door in boxes over the last few days,” he said. “We haven’t got very many things left in here now. It’s very sad.”

Campaigners in Llantrisant have continued the fight despite Post Office Ltd’s final decision in January. Several have put pressure on watchdog Postwatch Wales to explain why the body withdrew its objection to the closures at the last minute.

The remaining branches on the closure list will shut their doors in the coming months. The branch at The Graig, Pontypridd, is planning to close at the end of March.

Howells attacks "unprincipled opportunists"

2008-02-21T20:57:00.003Z

I received a letter from Dr Kim Howells yesterday, today was my earliest opportunity to upload it here.

Dr Howells wrote to me after obtaining a letter he received (dated February 13th, 2008) from Phillipa Wright, National Consultation Manager.

Phillipa's letter is not worth putting on this site. It simply reiterates the reasons Post Office Ltd gave for closing our branch.

Dr Howells' correspondence is, however, worth perusing.

This is what his letter, dated February 18th, said:

Dear Mr Gilheaney

I enclose a copy of an extremely disappointing reply I have received from Post Office Ltd which confirms that all of the seven post offices listed for closure in this constituency are, indeed, to close. I know, from discussions with scores of people across the borough, that they share my anger and frustration at these decisions. I am far from convinced that the Post Office management understand the burden that the closures will create, not only for the sub postmasters and mistresses but also for the elderly, infirm and for local businesses who find the locations of a number of the sub post offices very convenient.

I am sure, in my own mind, that the real reasons for the closures are due to the government having to contain the substantial sums being paid as subsidies to keep the offices open. In these difficult financial times it is a duty, of course, of a government to protect taxpayers' money wherever possible and none of the government's critics on post office closures can say how, exactly, they would find the extra funds to continue with the present levels of subsidy. They are simply name-calling in the hope of winning some votes: unprincipled opportunists without a constructive thought in their heads.

My frustration derives, not from a recognition that government has to take great care with taxpayers' money but that due consideration has not been given by Post Office management to the difficulties that people will have negotiating steep hills and inconvenient routes to reach the nearest alternative post office. I have tried in every way I know how to persuade the authorities that these are very serious considerations but, so far, without success.

I will continue trying. In the meantime, thank you once again for your interest.

Yours sincerely

Dr Kim Howells
Member of Parliament for Pontypridd

"Howells just doesn't care"

2008-02-14T18:04:00.004Z

Two letters regarding our campaign can be found in this week's edition of the Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer. Both refer to Dr Kim Howells MP.

One, from Bob Humphreys in Rhydfelin, voiced surprise at how Dr Howells met campaigners from our town because "it's Labour MPs like Dr Howells who have consistently supported Government policies in Parliament."

The other letter, headlined "Howells just doesn't care" was written by Jean Henderson of Heol-y-Soun, Llantrisant.

It reads as follows: "The very strong fight against Post Office closures was taken seriously by the community.

"However, how about Kim Howells who represents Pontypridd but, perhaps, not Llantrisant?

"I believe he already knew the outcome when we went to meet him in the Commons at Westminster. He appeared to give little support to Postwatch, who are supposed to be independent.

"The reason? Labour political expediency of course! Kim Howells had a 20,000 majority of votes in the last election. So why bother?

"The two post offices saved from closure were in the Vale of Glamorgan, where the MP has a tiny majority.

"To add insult to injury the Post Office has been renamed the People's Post Office - how cynical can this Government get? Determined to destroy post offices to 'save money', but willing to spend a vast sum rebranding them and paying lip service to the fact that post offices are valuable to people."

By coincidence I received an e-mail from Dr Howells' office today.

A message, from Christine Raybould, read: "Just to let you know that Dr Howells has received the attached acknowledgement letter from Michele Graves, Executive Correspondence Manager for Post Office Ltd, who has responded on behalf of Allan Leighton, Chair of the Royal Mail Group.

"Dr Howells will let you have sight of the full reply when he receives it."

Plaid AMs write to Leighton

2008-02-11T12:13:00.000Z

Plaid Cymru Community Development Officer Kelly Davies e-mailed me on Friday.

She told me that "Leanne Wood and Chris Franks have written to Allan Leighton, Chairman of Royal Mail Group, asking if he was involved in the decision making process concerning Llantrisant Post Office and, if not, can he intervene as a matter of urgency with the proposed date of closure being 27th February."

Davidson: "There remains extremely worrying questions"

2008-02-06T11:49:00.000Z

Jane Davidson, AM for Pontypridd, has circulated a press release in which she expresses her dismay at the letter she received from Eifion Pritchard, Chairman of Postwatch Wales (see entry 'Postwatch respond to Davidson').

Prompted by Mr Pritchard's letter, Jane has written to Post Office Ltd clarifying her concerns and requesting they reconsider their decision to close Llantrisant Post Office.

Below is a transcript of her letter to Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager, Post Office Ltd.

Dear Mr Geraty

Re: Llantrisant Post Office Closure

I have recently received a letter from Eifion Pritchard, Chairman of Postwatch Wales, in response to my letter of 21st January. I enclose copies of these letters for your attention.

I note that Mr Pritchard’s letter states that Post Office Ltd has agreed to:

“Write to local authority and bus company to seek the movement of one of the bus stops to a safer area and also to provide a shelter at the bus stop.
“Liaise with the subpostmaster at the nearest branch in connection with the installation of a ‘combi’ till on the retail side of the business
“To scope possible alternative businesses in the area where stamps can be sold.”

As a result of these undertakings I understand that Postwatch Wales decided that it would no longer continue with its review process. However, I submit that the steps outlined above fall short of adequately dealing with the concerns of those who use Llantrisant Post Office.

The issue of the topography of Llantrisant has been largely ignored by these suggestions. Post office users will still have to negotiate a steep hill if they wish to access a post office on foot, a situation which means that many of Llantrisant’s residents will be unable to access services without use of public transport or cars.

Furthermore, even if a bus stop were relocated (which is by no means a certainty) the cost of the journey would be an additional expense which many may find unaffordable. Although those over 60 years of age should receive free transportation by bus, their trips to the post office will take substantially longer than at present, and may still prove extremely difficult for those people with mobility difficulties.

It is also clear that the issue of parking at the suggested alternative post offices, and at Talbot Green in particular, remains unresolved. I am often contacted by constituents concerned about the extremely high levels of traffic and parking difficulties within Talbot Green, a situation which the closure of Llantrisant Post Office will surely worsen.

Further, although Postwatch’s letter makes reference to a desire to move Llantrisant’s bus stops to a safer area, there remain concerns regarding the position of the bus stop nearest Southgate Post Office. Local councillors inform me that even if the bus stop in Llantrisant were relocated there would still be a tortuous route to the Southgate Post Office when passengers alight, a situation that appears to have been ignored by Post Office Ltd.

Finally, there is no indication that any of the proposed third parties (the local authorities, the bus companies, other sub-postmasters and other local businesses) would be willing or able to carry out the measures suggested by Post Office Ltd. I should be most grateful to hear whether you have received any feedback from any of the parties concerned.

In view of the above, plus the information contained in my previous letters, I again ask that you reconsider your decision to close Llantrisant Post Office, as it is clear that there remain many extremely worrying questions.

I look forward to receiving your full response.

Yours sincerely

Jane Davidson
Assembly Member for Pontypridd

Geraty: "This is not a popularity contest"

2008-02-05T12:36:00.000Z

I received a letter from Post Office Ltd Network Manager Steve Geraty today, one in which he responded to the open letter, to both him and Mr Huw Roberts, Director Welsh Affairs, Royal Mail Group, I put on this site on Thursday January 24th, 2008.

You may wish to refer to my correspondence (see below) before you read Mr Geraty's reply to each point.

This is what his letter, dated February 4th, 2008, said.

Dear Mr Gilheaney

Thank you for your letter dated January 24th addressed to myself and my colleague Huw Roberts.

I will endeavour to address the points you raise in your letter. However I must stress that Post Office Ltd's decision to close Llantrisant Post Office is final and there is no further appeal procedure.

1. The reference to Llantrisant within the decision document refers to the town and the surrounding area.

2. Every piece of correspondence received during the area public consultation period is read and considered by me as I have overall responsibility for making both proposals and decisions on individual branches. Postwatch also receive copies of correspondence received during public consultation to inform their participation in the decision making process.

As I said many times during the consultation period, this is not a popularity contest. The number of correspondence received or signatories on a petition will not impact on the decision as much as the provision of factual information.

As you can see from the Decision Document, new factual information was presented in relation to two branches which resulted in Post Office Ltd reviewing its decision to close High Street, Barry and Splott Road. While Llantrisant organised a strong campaign there was not enough new evidence presented to withdraw this office from the plan.

3. The regular bus service referred to is number 100 (Veolia Transport Cymru), which runs from the Wheat Sheaf, High Street, every half an hour to Llantrisant Leisure Centre, which is approximately 250 yards from Cross Inn Post Office and Talbot Green Bus Station and number 244 (Stagecoach) which runs every hour to Llantrisant Leisure Centre and Talbot Green Bus Station. I note from my research into local transport in the area that two websites (www.craftgallerywales.com and www.llantrisant.net) both quote regular bus services travelling to and from the town.

4. My team and I visited Llantrisant on a number of occasions during the planning stage and consultation period and work was undertaken to examine local factors, including impact on the immediate local economy. There was no endorsement of Tesco Extra; only recognition of the fact that people need to leave Llantrisant to purchase food supplies, whether or not they choose to shop at that particular retail outlet.

I hope the above clarifies Post Office Ltd's position.

Yours sincerely

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

I'll study the contents of this letter with Colin and post a response at a later date. A press release I received from Jane Davidson's office will be uploaded later today.

Postwatch letter "a kick in the teeth" for business and elderly

2008-02-04T16:49:00.000Z

On Friday I spoke to Colin, our Postmaster. We discussed Postwatch Wales' Chairman Eifion Pritchard's response to a letter from Jane Davidson in which she asked why his organisation dropped their support for our post office at the last minute.

After close analysis of Mr Pritchard's letter it once again became depressingly clear how toothless Postwatch Wales have been, how weak they were when presented with a compelling case to support and how they badly let down the very people they claim to champion, the consumer, particularly the elderly customer.

Here Colin outlines in great detail the weaknesses in Mr Pritchard's letter. He also assesses the wider ramifications closure will have on our community.

"The letter does not say when the decision was made or at what level. It's only the last few paragraphs that has anything pertaining to us.

"When Postwatch Wales write about the second stage review they refer to 'a relatively low customer usage', well that's debatable. I don't class 500 plus customers a week as a low usage, not by today's standards.

"The phrase 'relatively low' means we could well be a profitable post office. Unfortunately, of course, Post Office Ltd. won't tell us whether we are or not.

"As for what they write about small businesses, that's a kick in the teeth for them. Postwatch Wales haven't listened to the town's entrepreneurs at all.

"The fact is if business people do decide to travel by car to the nearest post office that will only lead to congestion and make the roads more dangerous.

"The letter makes no mention whatsoever of the elderly or the problems they'll face, it just seems they've given up on them because we've still got the problem of no public transport accessing the old people's complex in Llantrisant.

"They will still have to walk uphill to get a bus, or they'll have to get a taxi. That's (approximately) a £6 return trip out of their pension.

"Assuming the 'combi' tll refers to the Co-op at Cross Inn, that will lead to a major rethink on their shop tills. (A 'combi' till is where customers can access Post Office transactions at the retail counter). Again, who's going to pay for that? Will the Post Office provide sweeteners or will the Co-op stand the cost? To install these designs will mean a major redesign of their counters which are already cluttered.

"Post Office Ltd are rubbing salt in to an already open wound when they suggest finding alternative businesses in the area from where to sell stamps.

"We've got somewhere up here selling stamps now, it's called the post office.

"In one foul swoop they're closing me down and now they're talking about an alternative business to sell stamps for them. Where?

"As for Postwatch Wales, I'm really disappointed with them. Their role is to help us and the consumer, their duty is not to be toothless, to give in to Post Office Ltd.

"If they had reservations, which they clearly did have, they've got the power to say to Post Office Ltd: 'We want this to go further, to Allan Leighton', even if Post Office Ltd don't want that to happen.

"Postwatch Wales keep saying they haven't got a veto, they haven't got power, but they have, they've got the power to refer the decision to the final phase.

"I think Postwatch Wales should have the conviction to go all the way if they feel strongly enough about a particular post office. Pressure's obviously been put on them somewhere but by whom? We're still trying to find that out. It looks like they had the conviction but it's been beaten out of them.

"The fact that three additional points were made in the letter - which were not brought up when it was announced we were to close - underlines that even Post Office Ltd have reservations about the issues Postwatch Wales raised.

"Overall, the letter is pathetic. Postwatch Wales haven't truly listened to a thing we've said.

"The fact is closing the post office means Llantrisant's regenerations plans have taken a big blow; the elderly will suffer and the roads will become more dangerous and congested.

"The closure of this office will put Llantrisant back in time, not into the 21st Century.

"Llantrisant is one of the oldest towns in South Wales. How many towns like us have not got a post office?

"We could go down in history as being the first."

Postwatch respond to Davidson

2008-02-01T15:43:00.000Z

The site entry "What led to your change of heart?" (see below) contains extracts of a letter Pontypridd AM Jane Davidson sent to Postwatch Wales' Chairman Eifion Pritchard on January 21st.

The letter outlines Ms Davidson's shock at the decision to close our post office and makes reference to Postwatch Wales' perceived capitulation; how they initially backed our branch to the hilt but then suddenly withdrew their support for us at the last minute.

Today I received a copy of Mr Pritchard's response to Ms Davidson's letter (many thanks to Chris Williams in Jane's office for faxing me a copy)

The letter, dated January 30th, makes very interesting reading indeed.

Sadly, it confirms the growing view in our town that Postwatch Wales are a toothless organisation incapable of both loyally pursuing and robustly expressing an argument to its appropriate end.

The letter begins by padding out the procedures followed by Postwatch Wales in its dealings with Post Office Ltd.

It's not until well into page 2, after Postwatch outline the powerful and numerous reasons for maintaining our branch, that the specific reasons for closing it are reached.

Mr Pritchard writes: "...at the second stage of the review process we again argued strongly for the post office to remain open, citing aforementioned evidence.

"However Post Office Ltd set out their position with reference to pertinent local factors and the Government-prescribed access criteria, and made it clear that they would not change their decision to close the branch.

"It was therefore agreed that the review process would not progress and that Post Office Ltd would proceed with the closure.

"Specifically, at the second stage of the review process, Post Office Ltd cited the relatively low customer usage at the branch, and stated that although small businesses would be inconvenienced, as the nearest branch was less than a mile and most business customers drove, this inconvenience was not justification for retaining the branch.

"Post Office Ltd also stated that they had serious concerns over the long term sustainability of the Llantrisant branch, as there were two nearby alternative post offices.

"At the meeting it was agreed Post Office Ltd would:

* Write to the local authority and bus company to seek the movement of one of the bus stops to a safer area and also to provide a shelter at the bus stop.

* Liaise with the subpostmaster at the nearest branch in connection with the installation of a "combi" till on the retail side of the business.

* Scope possible alternative businesses in the area where stamps can be sold.

"I should stress that the decision to proceed with the closure," concludes Mr Pritchard, "was made by Post Office Ltd."

Detailed reaction and analysis of this letter will follow.

"What led to your change of heart?"

2008-01-30T10:31:00.000Z

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"

2008-01-29T16:03:00.000Z

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

2008-01-29T11:04:00.000Z

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

2008-01-28T11:30:00.000Z

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

2008-01-25T21:38:00.001Z

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

2008-01-24T10:31:00.002Z

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

2008-01-23T18:07:00.000Z

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

2008-01-22T20:28:00.000Z

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

2008-01-22T16:10:00.000Z

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"

2008-01-22T15:14:00.000Z

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

2008-01-21T16:52:00.000Z

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."

2008-01-21T12:30:00.000Z

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."

2008-01-21T12:29:00.001Z

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"

2008-01-21T12:07:00.001Z

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"

2008-01-21T12:06:00.001Z

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?

2008-01-21T11:56:00.000Z

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

2008-01-21T11:30:00.000Z

"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"

2008-01-19T12:58:00.000Z

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

2008-01-19T12:48:00.000Z

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

2008-01-18T16:59:00.000Z

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...

2008-01-18T12:10:00.000Z

...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

2008-01-17T11:06:00.000Z

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."

2008-01-16T23:39:00.000Z

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!"

2008-01-16T20:25:00.000Z

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!

2008-01-15T19:12:00.000Z

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"

2008-01-15T17:06:00.001Z

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

2008-01-15T11:03:00.000Z

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

2008-01-13T11:27:00.000Z

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...

2008-01-13T11:26:00.001Z

...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

2008-01-11T18:01:00.001Z

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...

2008-01-11T13:03:00.000Z

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)

2008-01-10T16:32:00.001Z

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

2008-01-09T12:35:00.001Z

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"

2008-01-09T11:49:00.001Z

"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

2008-01-08T16:32:00.000Z

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

2008-01-07T16:02:00.000Z

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

2008-01-07T15:26:00.000Z

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

2008-01-07T15:01:00.000Z

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

2008-01-07T11:08:00.000Z

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

2008-01-07T11:03:00.000Z

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"

2008-01-04T15:21:00.000Z

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

2008-01-04T14:43:00.000Z

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

2008-01-04T14:37:00.000Z

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

2008-01-03T15:09:00.000Z

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"

2008-01-03T00:26:00.000Z

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"

2008-01-03T00:09:00.000Z

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

2008-01-02T16:34:00.000Z

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...

2008-01-02T14:06:00.000Z

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"

2008-01-02T13:11:00.000Z

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

2008-01-02T10:29:00.000Z

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.

"We try to help everybody"

2007-12-31T10:37:00.000Z

Here, in the final section of my three-part interview with Colin, he talks about the Post Office's lack of feedback and their arguments for closing his premises down; the number of small businesses that benefit from his office and also the possibility of a bus trip to Westminster which will give Llantrisant people the opportunity of meeting and expressing their views about closure to Kim Howells MP.

Do you think that the people who will be taking the ultimate decision are listening to what has been said, reading all the letters that have been written?

Well, we've had no feedback from them (the Post Office) whatsoever. A lot of letters have gone in which I haven't seen copies of as well.

I've been told they will publish the results on the Web when the final decisions are made and that they will quote the number of responses they've physically had on there too.

How do you feel about the fact that there's been no feedback from the Post Office?

I can understand, to a point, why they're keeping themselves to themselves. Obviously, in an open Government, we would like some sort of feedback, but I think they're keeping things tight to their chest so they can make their own decision.

I should add at this point that we've had very good support from Postwatch, in particular Sally Thomas. Although they're an independent body that can't have any final say in the Post Office's decison, they can make sure that any letters that have gone in have been looked at. They have a sway in what the Post Office can do but it's the Post Office that will have the very final decision.

What do you think of the Post Office's arguments for closing offices like yours down?

I've been told that I haven't a problem with footfall so I must class myself as being viable. All post offices across the UK have seen a downturn in people numbers visiting purely because of the way times have changed and the Government have taken more and more work from us.

However, the Post Office, in fairness, have teamed up with the Bank of Ireland and are pushing more and more products on us but whether these products are the right ones, well, they're not counter-based, they're call centre-based.

Having said that they have made big in-roads into things like car and life insurance.

How many people use your post office?

On average, about 500 a week.

Worse-case scenario, they close the post office down - what will the affect be on you and your wife, Lynne?

Since I took voluntary redundancy from my previous job (an Officer in the Merchant Navy) we've always fancied running a post office, we've been here 15-and-a-half years now.

I've always enjoyed dealing with people. We see lots of problems we try to sort out - for example people will come to me and ask for forms, or how to fill them in. A lot of that would go if the post office closes because people won't know who to ask, a sense of trust built up over the years will be lost.

Trust in the community is very important isn't it?

Yes, because over the years we see the youngsters coming through. They're originally brought in with their parents and we see them grow up. Even when they go away and get married or find a new job, they still come back and it's nice to see how they get on.

Parents feel safe about letting their children come up here to do an errand. There's no way parents will let their kids wander down that busy road to Penygawsi or Talbot Green to get an electric token, buy a stamp or pay a bill for them. Here you have a relatively safe environment within the town that they can all access.

What will you do if, worse case scenario, the post office is forced to close?

At present we haven't given it any thought. If it does go there will be a redundancy package and sufficient work for the four weeks it will take to close it down. The shop itself will go too if the post office closes so that will be a double whammy for the town.

I think that a couple of months down the line we'd have to sit down and think: 'What do we do?'

What would be the knock-on effect of the post office shop closing?

Well we do sell a lot of things for local firms. We've just finished selling the local Llantrisant honey which is limited supply at Christmas. We sell cider for Gwynt-y-ddraig, which is a Church Village-based cider, in fact we've had people come all the way from Porthcawl to buy it, we sell a lot of their three best ciders at Christmas.

We're also agents for Genie computers, we do cartridge top-ups, usually back on the same day. We're an agent for Edwards coaches as well so there's lots of other little things that we're all interconnected with.

In addition we sell handmade greetings cards, Dean Powell's books on local history, too. One gentleman across the road put the whole of the Llantrisant festivals on DVDs and we've been selling those for him so we support as many local and small businesses as we can.

We're local, community-based and we try and help everybody.

What can the people of Llantrisant do between now and January 8th or 14th?

People can still support me by using me. There is also the possibility of a January trip to London to see Kim Howells at Westminster and maybe deposit something at Downing Street if security permits.

The other main thing to consider is, if we do win, to make sure that the people who have used me continue to do so. If they suddenly didn't then I could go naturally.

Word of warning

2007-12-31T09:54:00.000Z

The following first appeared as a comment on Leanne Wood's excellent blog (see links).

It's written by Phil (A Very Public Sociologist) who runs one of the most thorough and impressive blogs I've seen. His words are a stark reminder of what we could lose and who would suffer most if our post office was taken from us.

"Here in Stoke we've recently lost our city post office. It's gone from where it's been for a century to be stuck in the back of a pokey WH Smiths. It's now difficult for pensioners, disabled people, and anyone with children to get to.

"Even from a commercial standpoint, the move made no sense, as its primary users can no longer access it! The idiocy of the decision is breathtaking, but understandable when you consider it's part of a national deal with WH Smith to move a shed load of post office's into their stores, regardless of local conditions and consequences.

"All the very best with the campaigns."

Thanks very much for letting me use these comments, Phil.

For more information on Phil's site, please refer to the links section.

Colin praises townfolk's support

2007-12-30T02:58:00.000Z

Colin deliberately reversed the sign in the above picture from open to closed - a good motivating tactic for us all so keep on writing and striving to save our post office!

Here, in the second section of my three-part interview with Colin, he talks about the support he has received from his customers, the December public meeting, the looming date of decision and also how the efforts of Llantrisant's campaigning citizens compares to those of people in other areas facing post office closures.

How have your customers supported you since the proposed closure announcement was made?

The support has been 150%. I can't fault people for writing letters. I can't fault the politicians and the Assembly members across all parties, everyone has got behind it.

For example our local councillor, Glynne Holmes, is a Labour elected member but as he says it's Westminster who made the decision to close the post offices and so it's against his own party that he's fighting.

Have you drawn some consolation from fellow Post Masters?

When we had the petitions going, Cross Inn and Talbot Green post offices, both of which have been proposed as alternatives to this office should it close, had petitions on my behalf. They collected somewhere in the region of 200 signatures each.

And Phil Dewhurst, who ran this post office before me, he wrote a nice piece in The District Diary magazine (see blog entry "A great asset to the village").

What has happened since the public meeting?

Since then we've asked people to write more and more letters and said that even if they've written once, to write again.

Allan Matheson, from the community council, and for want of a better expression my Campaign Manager (he's done a lot of the legwork for me while I've been behind the counter) he took minutes at the public meeting and I had enough copies to hand out to people the very next day.

He highlighted the main points raised in the meeting plus what people should be putting in their letters. As a result letters have gone out to a wide spectrum of interested bodies, not just the Post Office.

Some have had replies although those that have sent letters to the Post Office will, according to some literature I've read, receive replies after the consultation phase, which ended on December 10th.

How many people, overall, have signed a petition relating to the saving of Llantrisant Post Office?

The petition that was submitted had nearly 1,600 signatures.

When will the final decision be made?

Originally it was going to be January 8th, 2008, but I've been told that that might may be put back to January 14th now.

Will there be a chance of appeal if they decide to close the office?

No, once they've made their decison, from what I can gather, there is a four week period to close down the office.

Are you optimistic that Llantrisant Post Office will be reprieved?

Having seen the letters that went in and everybody's enthusiasm and support I'm fairly confident that we'll be saved.

Are other post offices on the closure list getting the same kind of support that's been displayed in Llantrisant?

Of the 31 offices in the Glamorgan and Cardiff area that are under the threat of closure there's only two or three that have actively had a major campaign. Of the others we get the impression that they've made a token gesture, it's almost as if they've said: 'We'll take the money and go' because there is a redundancy package available.

The final part of the interview with Colin will be uploaded on Monday.

Poster download (2)

2007-12-30T00:45:00.000Z

Something bright for you to put on your window. To download, right click on the image, choose save picture as, save to your computer.

"A great asset to the village"

2007-12-29T15:47:00.001Z

The following (see below) is a fine tribute to Colin.

It's an extract taken from this month's edition of The District Diary, written by the previous incumbent at Swan Street post office, the columnist known as Phil the Post.

"I was sorry to see my old Post Office, Swan Street, Llantrisant, named as one of those on the closure list," writes Phil.

"The current owner, Colin Cranness, is an excellent Post Master. He's the man I contact when I need to know anything about Post Office procedure, Colin is the man who can!

"He's also a great asset to the village and is often featured in the local press for his work with neighbourhood watch. He collects vouchers for the local schools, too.

"There's a huge campaign in the area to keep Llantrisant Post Office open and I hope it's successful. Colin is a very helpful person."

I'll drink to that!

2007-12-29T14:44:00.000Z

Dave, from the Llantrisant-based Real Ale Tasting Society (R.A.T.S.), has kindly given his backing to this site by putting a link to Save Llantrisant Post Office on his website.

Why not give Dave's excellent site a look? You'll find his website listed amongst the links on the left of this entry.

Thanks again, Dave, the more supporters we get the better!

Closure would "rip the heart out of the town."

2007-12-29T14:09:00.000Z

Today I conducted the first of an extensive three-part interview with Colin, the Post Master. Here, in part one, he talks about those who will be hit by the proposed closure; the crucial role the post office plays in terms of community spirit; the town's regeneration plan and also the gains non-locals get from the Swan Street premises.

If your post office closes down who will suffer?

Basically it will be the people of Llantrisant and the businesses because they will have to start planning their 'assault' on other offices.

How many businesses are there in Llantrisant?

There are approximately 30 although that doesn't include the ones on the business park - I have three regular customers there (Buy As You View, All Print and Malpas).

So closure would impact on small business up here in the town because in one way or another they use me for banking, posting, postage and bills.

There's a large elderly population in Llantrisant too. How will they be affected by a possible closure?

A lot of them have said they'd have to have their money paid directly into a bank account, which they don't want because although they have bank accounts, they use their pension money separately, it's purely for their everyday cash.

The post office is the only access they have to getting cash without having to go down to the banks in Talbot Green. There's no longer a cash machine up here - the one we did have, at the Bear Inn, was taken out two months ago.

Then there's the Hill Factor.

Yes, the hill factor! Closure would mean a lot of old people would have to get the bus but even when they get off the bus the options are, if they go to Penygawsi Post Office, are difficult. They've still got to firstly descend, then ascend, quite a steep hill

They've then got to cross a road which, at the best of times, is not the easiest. As one of my customers, a relatively young woman put it, you've got to be an Olympic athlete to cross it because traffic comes at you in three directions - and one of them is a blind spot! You just don't know what's round the corner.

Are the buses frequent?

Up through Llantrisant town itself we have three a day. The last bus through is approximately 12.50pm. After that if you haven't got out of town, so to speak, then you've literally got to walk either by the parish office, where there's a bus stop, or the Wheat Sheaf, assuming you want to go down to Talbot Green.

There are more buses going that way on the Pontyrpidd route but there are only three buses a day which come up through the site. However, they don't do the whole site because of traffic congestion on the common road. So there is still an area of Llantrisant which is isolated and that isolation is Hafod Housing Association houses and the old age complex - the very ones that need a public service.

What about the impact closure would have on the prestige and community spirit of Llantrisant?

I think everybody knows that a post office isn't just a post office anymore, it's a community centre as well. People come in and they meet others.

Even if someone is missing for a week someone will ask: 'Has anybody seen them?'

For example, at one time a customer wasn't seen for a couple of weeks so we sent the Police 'round to his house. Fortunately he was OK on that occasion, but the fact that he was an elderly gentleman on his own, with no-one visiting...it's things like that which matter. People meet others here in Swan Street that they might not see any other time.

What about you, what was your reaction when you heard that the Post Office had earmarked your shop for closure?

I was shocked and I don't think it's really sunk in yet. I don't think it will sink in until the final decison has been made. Heaven forbid it doesn't close but if it does I think it will be the equivalent of ripping the heart out of the town. Everywhere has got a heart somewhere along the line and for that to go...

There is a major regeneration of the town going ahead, we've seen that with the start to the castle - that's been cleared ready for a major archaeological dig. And Rhondda Cynon Taf are putting money into the town so it would be a shame for this office to go.

It's not just locals who benefit from your post office is it?

No, the amount of tourists that come up here in the summer months, in particular, is a lot. If they buy cards or presents they want someone to post them back to and they like to post them through the places that they've been to.

The ripples that emanate from your post office are incredible aren't they?

Yes, it's not only tourists. Being an old, ancient hilltop town we also get used a lot by the BBC for filming. We still regularly appear in Pobol y Cwm. This post office has been used for filming on several occasions.

Part 2 will be uploaded tomorrow.

Blog Cymru inclusion

2007-12-28T16:23:00.000Z

Today I arranged an interview with Colin, the Post Master, which will take place tomorrow. I also spoke to a local businessman who has promised to make a written contribution expressing his view on the affect the proposed closure will have on his work.

I'm also hoping for another of the town's leading lights to respond to a request I made today, for a written piece, very soon.

On a different note I am happy to say that this website has been added to the Blog Cymru (see links) index. This means that every entry has the chance of being read by a much wider audience including AMs, MPs and people passionate about maintaining strong communities across Wales.

This is an extra incentive for you to be heard so make the most of it - let your fingers do the talking and get in touch! A big thank you to Blog Cymru's Aran Jones for permitting Save Llantrisant Post Office's inclusion.

Out of respect for Aran's kindness, if you have some spare time please take a look at these highly recommended websites (see below), both of which he is involved with and both of which complement the work here.

Cymuned - working for communities in Wales - www.cymuned.net/english and www.shops4locals.com.

Please log in again soon.

News update (+ letter sent by Jane Davidson to Steve Geraty)

2007-12-27T09:34:00.000Z

Jane Davidson, Labour Assembly Member for Pontypridd, e-mailed me last night. She has kindly agreed to send me copies of all the letters she has and will write on the bid to save our post office.

The following letter was sent by Jane, to Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager, on November 28th, 2007. Many thanks to Gareth Mantle who kindly sent me a copy of this letter on January 2nd 2008

Dear Mr Geraty

RE: PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LLANTRISANT POST OFFICE

I am making representations on behalf of my constituents regarding the closure of one of the seven branches that are proposed for closure in the Pontypridd constituency.

For information, I have recently contacted all seven of the affected branches asking for evidence for their remaining open and will write to you again as soon as I receive their responses.

In the meantime I have received much correspondence from concerned constituents regarding the closure of one of the seven branches in particular. I will therefore proceed to make representations on behalf of these constituents and, in doing so, argue the case for the defence of Llantrisant Post Office. I begin with a brief background of the branch.

Llantrisant Post Office has been an important social service in the community since 1840 and in a meeting that I attended on Monday November 26th, which over 100 residents attended, I was informed of the continued popularity and use of the branch. Specifically, the branch attracts over 500 people a week and plays a major commercial role to the local art and craft businesses in an historic town.

Indeed, my constituents feel that the importance of the branch to the town has been understated and that its high usage may not have been taken into consideration when determining whether the branch should remain open. I would therefore be extremely grateful if you could confirm that the fact that Llantrisant Post Office attracts 500 users a week through its doors has indeed been noted and that it will be taken into consideration in the future.

In further developing the case for Llantrisant Post Office to remain open, I draw your attention to the first paragraph of the second page of a letter that I recently received from Eifion Pritchard, Chairman of Postwatch Wales, in which I am informed that ‘pertinent topographical features […] had been properly considered’. I argue that this has not necessarily been the case regarding the decision to close Llantrisant Post Office, as suggested by the numerous letters that have been sent to my office from concerned constituents.

My constituents inform me that although the two nearest alternative Post Office branches may appear relatively convenient on paper they are in fact most inconvenient. This is largely because of the topography of the area: the hill leading down from Llantrisant is very steep and difficult for Post Office customers, many of whom are elderly and/or disabled. Such problems of access may force some of my constituents to withdraw completely from the services of the Post Office.

In addition to the above topographical concerns, problems will remain for those fortunate enough to avoid the steep hill either by using public transport or by driving.

Regarding the use of public transport, I understand that the limitation of the current bus service does little to alleviate problems of access. There are infrequent busses to and from the proposed alternative Post Office branches and, in cases where the use of public transport may be a viable option (such as with the number 100 bus service), my constituents inform me that there is a very long walk to the corresponding bus stop.

Regarding the possibility of driving, my constituents believe that the already extremely heavy traffic of Talbot Green will be exacerbated with the closure of Llantrisant Post Office thereby undermining current levels of road safety as well as unnecessarily harming the environment. This also poses the question of the suitability of current parking facilities, which my constituents believe to be inadequate.

Indeed, there is no dedicated disabled parking facility at the Southgate Post Office and there will likely be no parking available, disabled or other, at the Talbot Green branch due to the already heavy traffic of the area. I therefore request that the viability of using the proposed alternative branches is reconsidered with respect to the availability of parking for the Southgate and Talbot Green Post Offices.

To these lines of reasoning I add the following, again making reference to the aforementioned letter from Eifion Pritchard, which claimed that the ‘impact of the local economy […] had been properly considered’. Again, I argue that this has not necessarily been the case regarding the decision to close Llantrisant Post Office due to the major commercial standing that the branch has within the locality.

My constituents inform me that with no bank or ATM machine in the locality and with no nearby shops offering a cashback service on transactions the Post Office is the only method of withdrawing money. Clearly, a significant percentage of this money is spent locally and so keeps the economy afloat.

In addition to the short-term implications for the local economy, there may also be difficulties in the long-term. This is because of the many businesses in the locality that rely on the Post Office for the successful day-to-day running of their organisation. To elaborate on this point, services such as the loss of parcel and recorded deliveries are crucial to the businesses based in the Model House as well as the many other shops and organisations in the area.

I thus 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. I would therefore be extremely grateful if you could address the concerns that I have raised in this letter and I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Jane Davidson
Assembly Member for Pontypridd

What YOU can do (+ poster download)

2007-12-26T18:31:00.000Z

OK, you've heard about this site. You want to help, what can you do?

Well the aim of this site is to record, in as short a time as possible, what the people of Llantrisant think about the proposed closure of our post office in Swan Street.

You can contribute to this website in a number of ways.

Firstly, ask yourself these questions:

What did you think when you heard about the proposed closure?
If the post office is closed, how will it affect you?
Will you be out of pocket as a result?
Do you run a business? If so, what impact will closure have on your work?
What affect will closure have on the community, particularly old people?

If you wish to make a blog entry, one written by yourself expressing how you feel (it could be a letter you've already sent to the powers that be), you can e-mail me at john.gilheaney@btinternet.com and I will happily upload it onto this site.

Or, if you would like me to visit and interview you, to hear your story in person, that could be arranged over the festive season.

Alternatively, just simply make a comment on a particular entry by clicking on the 0 comments link below.

By January 2nd I want to have compiled a comprehensive web-based document which reflects the feeling in the town. Something which the politicians can use to bolster our case, a site which makes the people who make the ultimate decision sit up and take notice of the viewpoints in Llantrisant.

Let's do everything we can to strengthen our aim.

Here are some people you can write to, tell them how you feel:

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

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

Also, have a look at the links page on this site and get in touch with your local politician/AM.

(Note: feel freel to download and circulate the poster image at the top of this entry. Right click on your mouse - save picture as - click OK, save on your computer then print it out, put it on your front window and distribute!).

The effect closure would have on a stroke victim

2007-12-26T13:06:00.000Z

On Christmas Eve I had a brief chat with Mark Mortimer of London House, Llantrisant. His words were very poignant indeed.

When Mark said goodbye I watched him limp very slowly down Swan Street towards his nearby house.

In the light of the proposed post office closure I thought it was a very sad sight. I wished that those who want to close the post office saw Mark's laboured walk home and heard what he had to say.

This is Mark's view.

"I'm disabled now. I had a stroke this year. I was in hospital for four months.

"When I heard the post office was closing I thought I can't go nowhere else.

"Then I thought I'd have to go to Talbot Green, catch buses and everything - ridiculous.

"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.

"I can't work because I've got a stroke so that kind of money would be a big burden to me.

"I think the people who are thinking of closing the post office down are foolish, they don't realise what the people have got here.

"The effect on the community will be big, too - people don't realise what they've got until it goes."

"What will the old do when it snows?"

2007-12-26T12:45:00.000Z

Gwyn Rees, who lives on High Street, Llantrisant, is nearly 80. He says the proposed closure will make life much more difficult for the town's large population of elderly people.

He makes the valid point that OAPs who can't drive will have terrible problems traversing the hills that lead to and from other post offices in the area.

"I think the proposed closure is terrible," says Gwyn.

"We're living in one of the oldest towns in South Wales. When this town was thriving there was nothing up the valleys at all - nothing. Pontyclun didn't exist when this town was going 'ding-dong'.

"And yet they want to move the post office away from here.

"A lot of old people live here, myself included, I'm going on for 80 and I think the idea of closing the post office is blinkin' disgusting.

"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.

"If it closes I'll have to find my way to another place - that's OK if you can drive - but if you're knocking on 80, it's very, very difficult.

"I'm lucky, my missus is a bit younger than me, she drives me around in the car.

"But it could mean we have to drive to Penygawsi, down that hill, back up, and I'm nearly 80 years old!

"Closure would throw everybody out. I think it's wrong.

"When I ran an Iron Mongers shop down the road I used to do all my business at the post office. I remember the days when the streets of Llantrisant were lined with stalls, but those days have gone.

"Look at it (Gwyn surveys Swan Street at this moment) they've robbed us of everything and now they want to take away our post office."

Closure could be "a death knell" for town

2007-12-24T12:09:00.000Z

Creighton Lewis, Advisor to the National Public Health Service and to the Association of Optometrists in London, lives 100 yards from the post office. When I spoke to him in December he made some very powerful points on the effects possible closure will have on transport, the business community and the town's old people too.

Here's what he said in full.

"I was absolutely disgusted when I heard about the proposed closure.

"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.

"Nobody says the Health Service doesn't make a profit - we have to have it. It's the same with the post office - we have to have it for the convenience of the town people.

"The whole point is the people who make the decision to close down the post offices are faceless.

"Really it comes down to the Prime Minister and the Government of this country because it is, after all, paid for by our taxes.

"I've written to the Prime Minister and if I could speak to him I would say that this is a service that we need in our community mostly for the elderly people, particularly in the old people's home, for the business people here in the town who are trying to build this town up and for those of us who are trying to run businesses from home.

"So it's an essential service. It's not something you can do away with and say: 'But, ah, you've got a post office a mile or so away down the road.'

"The number of people who won't be able to make use of that facility is tremendous.

"Personally I use the post office in Llantrisant on a daily basis and I see a lot of other people who do, too.

"I work as an Advisor to the National Public Health Service and to the Association of Optometrists in London and I work from home which means I receive legal documents and so on through the post.

"I have to send these back with high security through the local post office. This means that even though I've got a car and can go to different places it will be very inconvenient for me should the post office close down.

"At the moment I'm just a hundred yards from it but before long I may be a mile-and-a-half from my post office. I, and others, may lose valuable time and incur costs because of the proposed closure.

"For people who can't drive or catch the bus the nearest post office to here, going by taxi, is anything between £6-£8. For an old age pensioner that's a huge amount of money, a huge amount of money.

"This town wasn't built for transport, most people have cars which blocks up the streets. The bus is supposed to go round the side streets, down to the old age complex, back around and up on its way out - but that's only in the mornings anyway. But the bus can't get to the old age home where there are many elderly people so they don't have an alternative other than a taxi which is going to be awfully expensive.

"The post office is a pivotal part of the community. You've seen how busy it is this morning, people in and out, we all know each other, it's a gathering place where we can meet people we can turn to.

"Colin is an excellent Postmaster. He does far more than just dish out stamps and do the post, he's an essential part of the community.

"But the community itself is struggling particularly with the building of the large stores down the road in fact the town itself would die but for the businesses that have been developed here, the post office is an essential part of that.

"So we in the community are worried that by removing the post office it's another death knell as far as the town is concerned."

"I won't know what to do if they close it down"

2007-12-24T11:01:00.000Z

"As you can see on a busy Monday morning like this, a lot of people use the post office - to get to the alternatives in the area that have been suggested is very inconvenient - there's enough traffic in Talbot Green as it is without adding to it.

"There's nothing in Llantrisant now as there used to be years ago and I think if they close the post office down it's going to cause a lot of problems for a lot of people especially the elder people in the old age complex.

"I won't know what to do myself if they close it down.

"It was bad enough when they took the TV licences away from the post office. Where the hell do you get a telly licence from now? There's nothing private about it anymore, when you go in a shop, or anything like that.

"I use the post office every week in fact I've been going to the post office ever since it's been here. Originally it was down on the main road. I've used it since I was a kid, you're talking about 50 odd years, roughly about twenty years since it's been in Swan Street.

"It would be a big mistake closing it down. It would have a major effect on the community."

Robert Hurley of Dan Caerlan

Sign of the times

2007-12-24T10:46:00.001Z

If a stranger walked into town it wouldn't take him or her long to discover what's on the mind of many Llantrisant citizens.

Bright signs in red and gold which simply say: "Save our Post Office" adorn the windows of many town houses.

Let's hope the powers that be heed them.

Did you know?

2007-12-24T10:45:00.002Z

The Federation of Small Businesses estimate that 20% of small businesses use the Post Office every day, and 47% more than once a week.

Post Offices are also a key tool in tackling financial and social exclusion. The social benefit of Post Offices must be taken into account as well as commercial pressures when determining the development of the network.

An open letter

2007-12-24T10:45:00.001Z

An open letter sent to Steve Geraty (Network Development Manager, Post Office Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM) on November 19th.

Dear Mr Geraty

RE: PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LLANTRISANT POST OFFICE

I would like to register my dismay and disappointment at the news that the post office in Swan Street, Llantrisant is under threat of closure.

While I appreciate that the Post Office has to save money I hope you will do your utmost to prevent the demise of what is a pivotal point in the local community.

The closure of the Swan Street premises would make life much harder for those who are elderly and disabled as well as those town citizens who have low income and no access to motorised transport.

This is because alternative post offices in the area are not easily accessible on foot due to the steep hill one has to descend and then climb in order to reach other outlets.

In fact an unfortunate consequence of closing the post office in Swan Street would be increased level of traffic congestion caused by people having to drive to their nearest post office, instead of walking, as they currently do. This point also touches on obvious environmental drawbacks as you will no doubt appreciate.

I would be very sad to see Llantrisant post office close. On a personal level the man who runs it, Colin Cranness, is a gentleman, a popular guy who loves what he does and is always generous with his advice, time and humour. He really is a credit to the town and his profession.

I hope you will make the right decision which in my, and many other people's view, is to keep the post office in Swan Street open.

Yours sincerely

John Gilheaney

OK, you've seen how it's done. Make yourself heard today. Pick up that pen or leave a comment here. Every voice helps...although I must sadly inform you that I'm still awaiting a response to my letter to Mr Geraty.

What the politicians say

2007-12-24T10:44:00.001Z

The following is an edited version of a letter (dated December 5th) sent by Plaid Cymru AMs Leanne Wood and Chris Franks to Llantrisant residents who signed a petition protesting at proposed post office closures across South Wales.

Dear Resident

Thank you for your support in the campaign to keep our Post Offices open.

As Plaid AMs we have raised the issue several times with the First Minister Rhodri Morgan and the Deputy Social Justice Minister in the Senedd. We have been working with local councillors and Plaid Cymru activists to keep the Post Offices open.

The Post Office Network Change Programme is the implementation of Westminster Government Policy...Since New Labour came to power across the UK they have closed 4,000 post offices while the previous Conservative administration closed 3,000.

Post Office branches play an invaluable economic and social role in our communites. The social benefit of post offices must be taken into account, yet at present commercial considerations take priority.

Plaid believes that a strong and vibrant Post Office network is essential to build sustainable communities in Wales and that outlets in Wales should not be subjected to the vagaries of the market.

We are committed to working with Local Government to explore ways in which more services can be provided through the network to improve the viability of branches.

Plaid is also committed to reinstating the Assembly run Post Office Development Fund. We want to make sure it delivers the type of help that sub postmasters need to enhance their businesses.

You can sign the online petition at www.saveourpostoffices.plaidcymru.org

Public meeting

2007-12-24T10:43:00.000Z

The following report, by Victoria Richards, appeared in the Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer on December 6th, 2007

POLITICAL differences were cast “a-scythe” as Labour and Plaid Cymru officials joined the fight against the “death” of local Post Offices.

After a public meeting at Llantrisant Workingmen’s Club, Pontypridd AM Jane Davidson wrote to Steve Geraty, Network Development Manager of Post Office Ltd, in a bid to save the seven Post Offices in the Pontypridd area at risk of closure.

Ms Davidson said: “I find it incredibly difficult to accept the proposed closure of Llantrisant Post Office and, given its incongruity with the Llantrisant Old Town Regeneration Strategy, must insist on offering my support in defence of this branch.

“I would welcome the opinions of all Pontypridd constituents who may be affected by the potential closures of Post Offices in their area, and ask that they contact me as soon as possible so that I may be able to forward their opinions to the relevant bodies.”

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks joined local campaigners – including a masked “Grim Reaper” – at the Swan Street Post Office in Llantrisant to warn that its closure would lead to the slow death of the community.

The protest followed news that Post Office closure plans elsewhere will be delayed until after the local elections in May.

Mr Franks said: “This Post Office closure programme would slowly kill off our communities.

“If this Post Office is to live, then we need to fight off Labour’s Grim Reaper.”

AM Leanne Wood said: “The announcement to slash the Post Office network by a fifth marks the latest stage of this morbid onslaught.”

How the closure story broke

2007-12-24T10:41:00.000Z

This story appeared on the BBC News Front Page in October and contains a brief interview with Colin.

The Royal Mail is to announce the closure of 31 post offices in south Wales next week, it has been claimed.

The South Wales Echo newspaper claims six post offices in Cardiff and 25 across the valleys, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan will shut.

Plans for the rest of Wales are expected to be revealed in coming months.

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said it would be giving details of the proposals next Tuesday.

The spokesman said: "The public consultation for the proposed changes to the Post Office network in the Cardiff and Glamorgan valleys area will start on Tuesday and will last for six weeks, in line with the agreed process.

"At this time, we will be announcing details of the proposals, which will also be available on the Post Office website."

Gurmit Randhawa, who has run the post office in Sanquahar Street in Splott, Cardiff with his wife Harbrinder for the past 20 years, said: "People are devastated by the decision.

"There is one old lady who is in her 90s who has been coming here since she was a child. She is asking me what is she going to do."

"We knew that there were going to be proposals to cut some post offices but we thought it would be those that are making a loss, not ones like this that are making money."

"They are going to close two post offices in Splott. People are just devastated, they are talking about holding demonstrations."

Colin Cranness, who has run the Swan Street post office in Llantrisant for the past 16 years, said: "I realise that the Post Office has to save money, but it comes as a shock when you are earmarked, you don't think you'll be one on the list".

Mr Cranness, 57, said it would also mean the shop on the premises will also have to shut, not just the post office counter.

"The shop is not viable on its own without the post office. This will be a real blow for Llantrisant.

"I think the community will get behind it and we will get something going to try and save it."

'Changing lifestyles'

Liberal Democrats in Cardiff have launched a website to oppose the closures in the city.

Cardiff Central AM Jenny Randerson said she was "appalled" that the Salisbury Road branch in Cathays appeared to be on the list.

"This is just the sort of post office branch that would have been able to expand and prosper if the Labour assembly government hadn't abolished the Post Office Development Fund," she said.

About 2,500 post offices - a fifth of those left in the UK - are to close by 2009, the UK government confirmed in May.

The list of closures in south Wales is around a sixth of those in the local network.

The then Trade Secretary Alistair Darling said there were four million fewer customers using post offices every week in the UK than two years ago and they were losing £4m a week.

He said new technology and "changing lifestyles" had an effect.

Pension and child benefits can now be paid directly into bank accounts while TV licences, driving licences, passports and tax discs are now being supplied online and through other shops.

CLOSURE LIST

Bridgend: Rhoslanog, Parc Newydd

Cardiff: Salisbury Rd, Cathays; Evansfield Rd, Llandaff North; Newport Rd, St Mellons; Pill St, Cogan; Sanquahar St and Splott Rd, Splott; Cowbridge Rd/Neville St, Canton

Cynon Valley: Gadlys Rd and Merthyr Rd, Llwydcoed, Aberdare; Glancynon, Abercynon; Glyn Gwyn St, Miskin; Penderyn Comm Centre, Penderyn

Merthyr: Chapel St, Abercarnaid; Dan-Y-Twyn, Quakers Yard Station Sq, Merthyr Vale

Rhymney Valley: Bristol Terr, Brithdir; Jerusalem St, Rhymney

Pontypridd area: Swan St, Llantrisant; Cardiff Rd, Nantgarw; Graigwen Rd, Graigwen; Hopkinstown Rd, Hopkinstown; Leyshon St, The Graig; Tynybryn Rd, Tonyrefail

Rhondda: Ynyswen Rd, Abergorky; Commercial St, Blaenllechau; Miskin Rd, Trealaw; Court St, Blaenclydach; PO at Spar, Llewellyn St, Pentre; Trehafod Rd, Trehafod
Vale of Glamorgan: High St, Barry

Source: South Wales Echo

Llantrisant Post Office

2007-12-24T10:29:00.000Z

Llantrisant Post Office, "an important social service in the community since 1840."

Long may that continue!

This blog's aim

2007-12-24T10:01:00.000Z

The aim of this blog is simple.

Its purpose is to give the people of Llantrisant a website-based opportunity to express their feelings on the proposed closure of the town's Post Office.

The Post Office is a pivotal part of the community. We should all make an effort and do our best to preserve an important part of the town's heritage and, let's hope, future.

I'm a journalist by trade and so I'm utilsing my modest skills to good effect by starting this site.

I know that if the post office closed and I hadn't done my bit to help I would not be happy with myself. I would hate so see the Post Office cease, it's a crucial part of the town as I'm sure the personal stories you will read on this site will testify.

I respectfully invite those who wish to see the post office close to read the contents of this site before they make their final decision, to listen to the words of the people and show compassion and sense to their cause.

No time to waste. Let's begin.