A Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn has today raised concerns in the Senedd about the imminent closure of the Post Office located in TG Jones on Bangor Highstreet.
The news comes following TG Jones’ announcement of plans to close their Bangor branch at the beginning of next year.
Whilst arrangements are expected to be made for an alternative service to be introduced on the high street, the Post Office have confirmed this process could take up to six months, with the closest alterative branch located almost a mile away.
Speaking during Plenary today, Mair Rowlands MS, who has also written to the Post Office, highlighted the importance of maintaining access to essential postal and financial services for people in Bangor and the surrounding area:
‘Although the Post Office anticipates only a six-month period of disruption before an alternative service is established, I am concerned that the temporary closure will have a significant negative impact on residents of Bangor and the surrounding areas who rely on the branch to access essential services’.
‘I would like a statement from the Minister elaborating on the discussions the Welsh Government is holding with the UK Government regarding the protection of the Post Office branch network in Wales, and the steps being taken to ensure that key Post Office services remain accessible to everyone’.
In response, the Senedd’s Trefnydd, Heledd Fychan MS, acknowledged the important role local post offices play within their communities and the vital services they provide to residents in Bangor:
“this is not a devolved service, but because of the impact that it does have on people in our communities, these are ongoing discussions and, certainly, if any Member has similar concerns on Post Office services, as we do have regular meetings through officials or through the Deputy First Minister, we’re always willing to raise these issues.”
Following the exchange, Mair Rowlands MS said:
“I welcome the comments made by the Cabinet Minister this afternoon. I will continue to make representations to the Post Office, on behalf of all of my constituents who are reliant on these vital services, on the need to secure alterative provision as soon as possible.”
