For years the former Panteg Hotel on Abertridwr Square was a derelict, run-down eyesore. But now, after three years of renovation, it has reopened as a post office and convenience store – bringing a “new zest” to the Aber Valley.

The store opened its doors to customers for the first time on Friday, January 28 following the move from the Londis store on Thomas Street, after what postmaster Shabaz Akram described as a “back-breaking” four years.

Mr Akram said he wanted to “give something back to the community” and employed local tradesmen to work on the refurbishment of the village’s historic building – which dates back to 1890 when the Panteg Cottage was extended to become the Panteg Hotel.

Despite opening, Mr Akram said there was still “a long way to go” but said the building will now “be here for years after we’re gone”.

The downstairs area houses a post office and Nisa Local store, while the upstairs of the building has been turned into flats, with around 20 parking spaces.

In 2008, Caerphilly County Borough Council approved plans to demolish the building and replace it with flats, but this never came to fruition.

Plans to convert the old pub into a shop and flats were first submitted to the council in 2013. In 2017, Mr Akram submitted an application to turn the building into what it is today.

Daniel Wood, who works at the store, believes its opening will “lift the spirits” of residents in the valley. He said: “People won’t have to travel so far to get the products because we got it all here. It cuts out the necessity to go to Caerphilly.”

Stephen Yandle, a close friend of Mr Akram, helped during the project. Mr Yandle praised the postmaster’s efforts and said: “The courage to take a project on of this magnitude, which was privately funded during Covid, is exceptional.

“It just speaks volumes of the man and the character with all the hours he’s put into it and the blood, sweat and tears.

“I don’t think you’ll see the likes of this refurb again by a one man band, it will change the village completely and will bring a new zest of life back to the village.”

Chris Motruk, who works at the post office, said: “I’m so happy it’s turned out as it has. It’s been four years of hard work.”

Her colleague, Lisa Racz, said the new store “will be good for the community” and bring people into Abertridwr from further afield.

The post office will be open between 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and between 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Some post office products and services will be available from the Nisa counter between 9am and 10pm Monday to Sunday.

Katimay John, Provision Lead at the Post Office Network, said: “These new premises look amazing. The longer opening hours will make it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are confident that this vibrant new-style post office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”