Company bosses have announced that Merthyr Dyfan Post Office is set to close temporarily at the end of this month after the current postmaster resigned the position.

Responding to news that the Post Office will close on Thursday, May 31 Vale regional AM Andrew RT Davies said it was vital to ensure that the closure of the facility, currently provided at the Costcutter store on Merthyr Dyfan Road, does not become permanent.

Mr Davies said: “Post offices play a vital role in our communities and it is essential that we maintain the service.

“It is therefore bitterly disappointing that Merthyr Dyfan Post Office is set to close, since I know many local people rely on it.

“We must do all we can to find a replacement site to ensure this temporary closure does not become permanent.

“I will be meeting Post Office bosses next week and plan to air my concerns then.

“I look forward to working with local residents, businesses and the Post Office to find a suitable alternative and guarantee the existing provision of Merthyr Dyfan Post Office for local people.”

A post office spokeswoman said: “While we always work hard to maintain Post Office services, we are not the owner of the premises and regrettably, the branch will be closing temporarily on May 31.

“We understand how important a Post Office can be to a community and would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to ensure that any break in service is kept to a minimum.”