A total of 41 Post Offices in Wales will receive some welcome news this week as the Welsh Assembly Government announces the latest round of grants from the Post Office Diversification Fund.
The Post Offices will share over £725,000 to expand the range of services they offer or upgrade their premises.
Grants can be used to provide modern services which you might not expect to see at the local post office, such as an automated cash machine or a cyber café, as well as more typical services such as a passport photo booth. The funding can also be used for upgrades to the premises and staff training to offer a greater range of business products.
Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said
“Our Post Offices play an important role in the community and I am delighted to show my support to them through this scheme.
“Many Post Office buildings are quite old and may be in need of an upgrade. Grants can be used to get premises up to scratch, which may include CCTV security, a new shop front or providing suitable access for elderly or disabled people.
“In rural areas the local Post Office is often the focal point of the community. Services such as automated cash machines can be limited in these areas and the local post office is an ideal place to locate one.
“This scheme helps Post Offices to offer a wider range of different services to the community all under one roof, helping them get more customers through the door.”
Canton Post Office in Cardiff received a grant to refurbish the premises and provide staff training in the last round of funding. The Minister visited the Post Office yesterday to see how the grant helped the business.
Carl Sargeant added
“This scheme is helping our Post Offices to branch out and provide additional services for the community. I am delighted that so many Post Offices across Wales have taken advantage of the scheme.”
Around 140 Post Offices throughout Wales have already benefited from the fund, creating 112 jobs. This latest funding round will help a further 41 Post Offices and create 18 full time jobs at Post Offices across the country.
