Two post offices were spared after people objected to their closure

Two post offices, Christchurch Road in Newport and Pentwyn, Pontypool, have been spared, but four more branches are still under review.

The first closures will start in April. In addition, three branches will be replaced by "outreach" service points.

Around 800 people responded to the Post Office's six-week consultation.

The Post Office said "feedback" from the consultation had led to its decision to retain Newport's Christchurch Road branch or the one at Pentwyn in Pontypool.

The firm said people who responded said the Christchurch Road branch covered a wide area and provided the only access to a cash machine within a mile.

A petition and a number of objection letters were also submitted and planned developments in the area were also referred to.

CLOSURE LIST Abertillery: Cwmcelyn, Princess Street Tredegar: Dukestown, Georgetown Ebbw Vale: Rassau Hengoed: Caerphilly Road, Penpedairheol, Penybryn Blackwood: Argoed, Wyllie Newport: Malpas Road, West End, Wattsville Abergavenny: Govilon, Llanellen Chepstow: Mathern Caldicot: Sudbrook Pontypool: Penygarn, Penygraig

The Post Office said it recognised the area's terrain was "challenging" and public transport was one of the elements it took into consideration in its decision to keep the branch open.

Support of Pontypool's Pentwyn branch claimed limited pubic transport there would have made it hard for people and businesses to go to alternative branches.

The company said it acknowledged car ownership in the vicinity was lower than the national average and there was no alternative access to cash in the area.

It said it now proposes closing the Pentwynmawr branch in Newbridge instead and a six-week consultation on that begins on 7 May.

Proposals to close Gilfach, Pontnewynydd, West Park and Winchestown post offices are, still under review by consumer watchdog, Postwatch,and a decision is expected soon.

'Viability'

The branches at Devauden Green, Tintern and Penhow, Caldicot, will become "outreach" sites.

The firm said 127 branches would remain open in the area, and more than 98.8% of people will either see no change or will remain within a mile of an alternative branch.

Steve Geraty of the Post Office said people needed to make their local post office the "first point of call for all business".

He said: "These are difficult decisions which have not been taken lightly.

"We have considered very carefully all the comments made during the public consultation and we believe that the amended plan announced today offers our customers across the Newport and Gwent valleys area the best prospect for a sustainable network in the future.

"We need to look at the future and the long-term viability of all the remaining branches in this area, especially those in Christchurch Road and Pentwyn," he said.