Council offers support to help keep services for elderly and vulnerable
BUSINESSES in Pentwyn have been offered planning support to help them take over the post office franchise when the current operators One Stop step down.
The post office, within the One Stop shop at the Pentwyn Shopping Centre, will close early in the new year after 10 years.
It is the only post office in Pentwyn and if it is not replaced residents will face an extra 22-minute walk to the next nearest service, in Llanedeyrn.
Councillor Joe Carter said: “Without this post office, our elderly and vulnerable residents would be isolated and not be able to get these services locally.
“Whilst some of the functions are available online, a local post office is important for people paying bills, accessing benefits, acting like a bank and of course for posting parcels.”
Councillor Dan Naughton said: “I hope a new site in Pentwyn can be found to keep this much needed service open for the people of Pentwyn.
“The council will help with advice and support to businesses in setting up a business plan to take over the franchise.”
The councillors believe one reason for the closure of the post office in One Stop shop is the cost of staffing staffing both counters. Another has been the effects of the pandemic.
“The Labour council closed the Dome Community Centre, the leisure centre has been temporarily shut since Covid and the doctors’ surgery is only part time.
“People feel that all the community facilities in Pentwyn are being withdrawn,” said Councillor Carter.
Councillor Carter and Councillor Naughton will meet Post Office representatives later today to see if any businesses are interested.
