Post Office Closure shock

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 27th Oct 2007

Local residents have reacted angrily to news that five Post Offices in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. Merthyr Liberal Democrats have condemned the closure plans.

Liberal Democrat Campaigner for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney Amy Kitcher said: "I have been campaigning against the post Office closures since Labour announced they would close 2500 across the country. I will now be redoubling my efforts now we know that they are going to close five in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney.

Local Lib Dem Campaigner John Pappas added "These Post Offices are a vital part of our communities. They are an essential service for many people, especially the elderly. The closures show a complete disregard for local communities."

Amy Kitcher added, "The Government has forced the Post Office in to this position. They have spent the last few years taking away essential Government business such as TV Licensing.

"We always hear from Labour that the Post Office network is not profitable, but last year the total value of Government services that they withdrew was £168 million. Post Office Ltd's total shortfall was only £111 million.

"If Labour had not withdrawn this business, the Post Office would have been in profit."

The Post Offices which have been earmarked for closure in our area are Abercanaid, Merthyr Vale and Quakers Yard in Merthyr, and Jerusalem Street and Brithdir in the Rhymney Valley.