A POWYS Post Office will temporarily close in November for a major refurbishment – sparking concerns from local politicians.

The branch on Maengwyn Street in Machynlleth, will close temporarily on Sunday November 6 at 11pm. Work is expected to take four weeks and the site is due to re-open on Thursday, December 1 at 9am.

The Post Office says that alternative branches such as Cemmaes Road Post Office near Machynlleth and the Corris Post Office will be available as an alternative – but Plaid Cymru politicians have warned that the move represents the loss of a "vital service".

Carol Williams, Post Office Network Provision Lead, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during the work. The safety of our customers is of paramount, therefore, to allow for the building work to take place, it will be necessary for the service to close temporarily.”

Plaid Cymru representatives have called on the Post Office to review the decision and look to secure an interim presence in the market town.

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Elwyn Vaughan, Plaid Cymru group leader on Powys County Council, and county councillor for the nearby Glantwymyn ward, said: “Whilst I appreciate the need to close in order to safeguard public safety during any building work, the temporary loss of such vital service from the town for a period of four weeks is a cause of significant inconvenience to local residents and businesses.

“Machynlleth has already lost its banking services, and subsequently the services and facilities offered by the Post Office are crucial to many. Whilst I acknowledge the location of Post Offices in both Cemmaes Road and Corris, these have limited opening hours, and travel to either can be difficult for the elderly, vulnerable and those limited to public transport.

“I would urge the Post Office to consider establishing mobile postal provision in the town in the interim - particularly on market day – to ensure the least possible disruption."

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales added: “I have already received representations from several constituents who are concerned about the impact this temporary closure is likely to have on local residents and businesses.

“Alongside Cllr Vaughan, I have written to the Post Office with urgency relaying these concerns, and calling for interim measures to be introduced to support the local community whilst the necessary work is undertaken.

“Machynlleth is an important market town for residents in Montgomeryshire, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, and any work must be undertaken with the least possible inconvenience to customers at this busy time of year.”