THE VALE council has expressed its desire to see Barry's crown post office remain open.

Speaking at a Vale of Glamorgan council cabinet meeting this week council leader councillor Neil Moore said he has written to the representative of the post office with his concerns over its proposed closure.

It was announced by the post office in January this year that they were considering the closure of the Holton Road branch to help create a more sustainable network.

A post office consultation which began in March is currently underway and ends on Wednesday June 8.

A report was presented to cabinet members as an update over the post office's consultation and to provide a response to it.

Cllr Moore urged the post office to reconsider their decision to close the branch.

In the report presented to cabinet, the negative impact on users who may have to travel further afield to access specialist services is cited.

The report also mentions the potential to increase the use of other rooms in the building, the background of investment and regeneration in Barry as a whole and the potential for nearby retailers to take on services if required.

But the post office themselves have pointed to another five post offices in the local area such as King Square, High Street, Park Crescent, Barry Road and Barry Island branches which means they are confident that a good provision will still exist.

They also said they will do their utmost to re-employ the six members of staff who currently work at the branch should it close.

In an email to a representative of the post office, cllr Moore stressed his desire for a response and for them to let him know if they were working with partners to provide facilities elsewhere in the event of the closure of the Holton Road branch.

Cabinet heard that there had been suggestions that local retailers could be interested but that had not been confirmed.

It was agreed that the report was sent to the post office as the council's response to the consultation.

Customers can give their views and comments via postofficeviews.co.uk or comments@postoffice.co.uk

Alternatively, call 03457 22 33 44.