MORE than 200 people attended a public meeting over plans to shut a post office and relocate services to a convenience store, 200 metres away.

The Post Office have put forward proposals to close their current Ffrith branch on Victoria Road West, Prestatyn.

To plug the gap, services will be offered from two tills at Spar Willow Stores at 287 Victoria Road.

A public consultation on plans has already taken place. A public meeting, organised by Chris Ruane, Vale of Clwyd MP, was hosted last Thursday to address concerns including issues with parking outside the proposed new location.

“It was great to see people – from teenagers to those in their 90s – take time out on a Thursday evening to come along and express their views,” Mr Ruane said.

“Many concerns were expressed in particular in relation to parking issues outside the proposed new store and also the excellent service provided by the current postmaster.

“There were lots of people who were keen to speak and unfortunately we couldn’t get around everyone to allow them the opportunity, however, the general consensus at the meeting was pretty clear – they were more than happy with the services currently being provided at the Ffrith Post Office.”

Representatives from the Post Office attended the meeting.

A Post Office spokesman said the company will now evaluate responses received from both the consultation and the public meeting.

They added: "We would like to thank customers for their interest in our proposal to relocate Ffrith Post Office.

"We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on Post Office services and value the opinions of all our customers. The consultation period has now closed and the views raised regarding the relocation will be carefully considered before a final decision is made."

Resident Ceri Thomas, who attended the meeting, said: “I use this particular branch often and the closure and moving of the services to the spar down the road is ridiculous. There’s not sufficient safe parking and will all the staff be trained fully?

“Unfortunately I couldn’t stay for the entire meeting but most concerns from most people were in regards to the lack of safe and ample parking in the new location.

“The Post Office will probably go ahead with their changes anyway."

Ann Jones, Vale of Clwyd AM, said: “The excellent points that were raised must now be taken seriously by the Post Office.”

Opening hours at the proposed new branch will be from 7am until 9pm, Monday to Sunday. Services previously offered at the Ffrith Post Office will be available at the new branch aside from a National Lottery terminal and travel insurance on demand.

These service will be available at Prestatyn Post Office on 26 High Street.