Llanelli is the first town in Wales to have its services reviewed

Dozens more are set to shut in Wales as the company aims to restructure and modernise its national network of more than 9,000 urban branches.

Mangers say too many post offices are competing for too little business and have begun a consultation exercise in Llanelli with the aim of shutting the branches early next year.

But the town's mayor Hywell Phillips, who was involved in an unsuccessful campaign to keep the Seaside branch open earlier this year, believes little notice will be taken of public feeling.

A lot of old people and young single mothers do not have bank accounts and never will because they are in the poverty trap Mayor Hywell Phillips

"Reading between the lines it does not look good," he said.

"We had a strong campaign to keep Seaside open but it still closed.

"I think it's an easy way for them to save money by just closing them down, but they forget about the people.

"They are trying to push people on benefits towards these bank transfers but a lot of old people and young single mothers do not have bank accounts and never will because they are in the poverty trap."

The closure of the Seaside branch sparked a row because the alternative branch at New Dock had no disabled access meaning people in wheel chairs had to ring a bell to be seen outside.

Money is now being spent to lower the floor of the building.

Branches set to close Bynea Dimpath Frondeg Terrace Havelock Street Pemberton Sandy Sandygate branch Swansea Road

The Post Office says Llanelli is currently served by 37 branches and says even if eight close, over 95% of residents will still live within a mile of a counter.

The company says it has consulted with all sub-postmasters in the town and eight have agreed to close permanently.

Dave Barrett, head of area for Post Office Ltd in Wales said: "Having met with each of the sub-postmasters of the branches in question - and other local sub-postmasters - we have concluded that if they were to close, it would improve the long-term prospects of the other branches in the area.

"In particular, we have made sure that alternative branches in the area are fully geared-up to cope with extra customers should the closure go ahead and are planning considerable investment on improvements to selected branches.

"We fully appreciate that using an alternative branch, albeit one which is a little further away, will be a major change for some, and before we make a final decision we would like to hear of any concerns customers might have.