ASSEMBLY Member and Vale resident Andrew RT Davies has visited the new post office in Dinas Powys to learn of the trials and tribulations of setting up such a service.

Last month, the old post office in the village closed and the service has since moved a few doors down to Village Stores.

Mr Davies was shown around the convenience store by the owner, Ryan Sylvester, to see how the post office was incorporating into the traditional service offered by the shop.

Mr Davies said: “A post office is at the heart of local communities and at one stage there was a real prospect that the village of Dinas Powys might have lost the service.

However, Village Stores and owner Ryan Sylvester stepped in and invested in the service with the hope of boosting their current business offering, while also buying into the community spirit and ensuring local residents have a post office on their doorstep.”

The post office in the Village Stores has endured a number of issues since opening, particularly with the technology implemented by the organisation.

However, following a meeting with the Post Office, Mr Davies has learned the 20-year old computer systems are set to be replaced.

Mr Davies added: “The existing technology has caused a number of problems and these issues have been felt nationwide by post office owners.

"However, this latest news is extremely positive and will hopefully assist in bringing the service into the 21st century so they are not lost completely from local village communities.”