Mike hits out at UK Government plans to close Crown Post Offices in Wales

Labour’s Swansea East AM Mike Hedges has today hit out at UK Coalition Government plans to close eight of Wales’ twenty Crown Post Offices, which have been revealed under the latest round of funding cuts from Westminster.

Under the £1.3 UK-wide controversial reorganisation proposals, 70 Crown Post Office branches up and down the UK will close, with some franchising out services to nearby shops and supermarkets.

One of the eight Welsh Crown Post Offices earmarked for closure is the Morriston Crown Post Office located on Woodfield Street in Swansea.

Earlier this week, the Swansea AM raised his concerns over the planned closures during First Minister’s Questions and highlighted the detrimental effect the closures will have on communities and customers that rely regularly on Post Office services. 

Speaking from the Senedd, Mike Hedges AM said:

“Despite promising that there would be no programme of post office closures, it seems that the decision to sell off eight of our Crown Post Offices in Wales is the latest U-turn being taken by Coalition Government.  

“Crown Post Offices provide essential services to thousands of customers and local businesses on a daily basis. Removing them from communities, particularly when many local High Streets are already facing difficult times, is a ridiculous idea.

“These proposals just further prove that no public owned services are safe in the hands of the current UK Government.”

Speaking on the proposal to close Morriston Crown Post Office, the Swansea Labour AM added:                                                                            

“I was mystified to find that Morriston was on the list of Crown Post Offices being considered for closure. As a regular user, I’m fully aware at just how well used this local facility is. Forcing the closure of a busy Post Office like Morriston makes no financial or economic sense, and will be a massive blow to the local community.

“Today, I’m calling on the UK Government to work with Post Office staff and trade union representatives to find a meaningful and mutually agreeable way forward, with a view to keeping all Welsh Crown Post Offices open for business and within public hands.”