Post Office will reopen

A Mid Wales village post office is to reopen almost two years after it closed, it was revealed today. The Post Office said it was delighted to announce its Corris branch would reopen for business on Monday.

The branch will be in the main hall of The Institute, in the centre of the village, a building that reopened in November after extensive refurbishment. The previous branch had been located in a cafe, but closed in early 2005.

Dave Wall, Post Office spokesman, said: "Since the resignation of the previous subpostmaster in February 2005, Post Office managers have worked hard to try and find a suitable candidate to take over the branch.

"Discussions between the Post Office and those involved with the renovation of The Institute have been ongoing for some time and in May this year a campaign was launched to try and find a new sub-postmaster to run the branch.

Elaine Owen, development officer for Corris Institute, said: "This has been a great project and it will be an ideal location for a post office - we are delighted Jan Morgan has come forward to become our new sub-postmistress.

"I am sure she will do a fantastic job for the Post Office and the community," she added.

Pauline James, Post Office's field change advisor, said that when the Corris post office originally closed down there was great concern about the future.

"This reopening is fantastic news for the local community. And I know they will join me in welcoming this good news," she said.

"We now hope our customers, whether they are social or businesses, will support Jan and The Institute in this new venture."

The branch will be open from 9.30am to 11.30am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Postwatch Wales, the consumer body for postal services, also welcomed the reopening.

Eifion Pritchard, chairman, said: "Post Office and the local community are to be congratulated at this development. It demonstrates the benefits of partnership approach.

"And I very much hope that the local community will make maximum use of the services available."

By Deborah Knox