Mick Bates has called on the Labour Assembly Government to provide more support for rural post offices.

During First Ministers questions in the Senedd today the Montgomeryshire AM called on Rhodri Morgan to provide this support by re-introducing the post office development scheme.

Commenting Mick said: “For many the First Ministers legacy to rural Wales is the loss of local services.

“Since he took office those of us living in rural Wales have seen services such as schools, shops, pubs and post offices continually disappear.

“It’s a trend that’s set to get worse. In my Montgomeryshire alone most sub post offices are set to close. This is despite the fact that they provide an important and valuable service.

“The Labour Governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay don’t seem to realise this point. They seem intent on closing the post offices thinking they are unviable.

“This is simply not true. I urge anyone thinking post offices can’t work to come with me to Llandinam and visit a post office that is successful – a post office that has also benefited from the post office development scheme!

“The truth is that there are post offices all over the country that can be a success like the one in Llandinam. However, they need support. By re-introducing the post office development scheme, these post offices can get that support.”