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Search forVillagers rally to save P.O.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 18:00
A public meeting to gather support is being held on Wednesday, November 26, at Cwrt Henri Primary School.
Villagers were disappointed earlier this month when the Post Office decided to axe the shop and post office in favour of an outreach van service once a week.
However, since the axe fell on the service, villagers have united in a show of strength and support to keep both shop and post office a going concern — albeit on a voluntary basis and in partnership with Llandeilo Post Office.
Dryslwyn action group leader Tony Graf said: "The feeling in the village is 'yes we can'.
"We started thinking that there is something we can do and that's how the ball started rolling towards this voluntary idea. There seems to be tremendous support.
"So far we have 20 volunteers who between them all are able to do 60 hours a week. The shop will need two people there at any one time."
He said while more were needed there was a feeling of optimism in the village and he hoped the public meeting would generate more numbers to come forward.
Mr Graf said: "That is what this meeting is all about, I am sure more people will be willing to help."
He hopes to continue running the post office between 8.30am and 5.30pm, except for Wednesday and Saturday afternoons when it closes.
Financial support has also been strong, with people pledging locally.
Mr Graf said that following the announcement the post office and shop were earmarked for closure, villagers contacted the Post Office which agreed to allow them time to talk over their volunteer proposals.
Mr Graf added: "Under the outreach plan, the shop and post office could close at any time between now and early next year. What we want is to be in a position to get the volunteers ready so that if it comes down to it we can step in seamlessly and take over."
The public meeting starts at 7.30pm.
From Post Office spokesman Dave Wall: "I can confirm that we have had an initial approach from residents of the Dryslwyn area who wish to establish a community venture to operate the local shop and subsequently enter into a partnership arrangement with our core subpostmaster in the area. More detailed discussions are required with all those parties involved before the full feasibility of the situation can be established."
For more information or to volunteer at the post office call Tony Graf on 01558 668947
Dryslwyn Post Office campaigner Tony Graf says 20 people have volunteered to help run the village post office.
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