Post office fund praised (From South Wales Guardian)

Post office fund praised

5:10am Wednesday 31st December 2008 in News

AN AMMAN Valley community leader has welcomed the launch of a new £4.5m fund to help sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses diversify and improve their post offices in the area.

The fund, which will be open from January 1, 2009, to every sub-post office in Wales, can be used for accessing business and marketing advice, advertising, training and some set-up costs for new services.

The funding, available over three years, can also be applied for post office access improvements, IT upgrades and improving security and signage. Sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses will be able to apply for up to £20,000 capital funding and up to £15,000 in revenue costs under the new scheme.

Gwenda Thomas, AM, said: “Post offices provide an essential service to our communities and this fund will help to ensure that post offices in Wales can remain viable and become improved and sustainable businesses.

“I have been approached many times over the last few years by sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses concerned about maintaining the level of service they provide for the community alongside making a living for themselves, families and staff.

“I hope that the re- launch of the Post Office Diversification Fund will provide some stability for these hard-working and essential members of our communities.”

The Labour-led Assembly has always recognised the social and community value of post offices, particularly in relation to supporting vulnerable people in our most isolated and most disadvantaged communities and in addressing financial inclusion.

Today’s announcement follows a 12-week consultation that closed at the end of October. Sub-postmasters and Sub-postmistresses will receive information shortly on how to make an application to the new fund. Information will also be made available on the Assembly website.