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Cwmfelinfach has become the latest community in the borough to lose its post office.

The branch, which was located at Cwmfelinfach Pharmacy on 52 Maindee Road, closed on Wednesday, January 11.

The branch only moved into the pharmacy in early 2020, following the closure of the previous branch on 11 Maindee Road.

Caerphilly Observer understands the closure is due to the postmaster moving elsewhere and a replacement not being found.

No consultation was held before the closure of what was the last post office in the lower Sirhowy Valley – with the nearest branch a 20-minute bus ride away in Blackwood

Recent post office closures in the borough include Cwmcarn and Risca Exchange, which both closed last year.

Wattsville and nearby Crosskeys post office have also closed in recent years, while Pontllanfraith is served by a mobile post office once a week.

Ynysddu’s independent councillor Janine Reed said: “It’s worrying that there will be no post office in the valley – at one time there were three post offices within the Ynysddu ward.

“This will make it more difficult for people for people using this service, as the nearest post office is in either Blackwood or Risca – three or four miles away.”

Fellow Ynysddu councillor Jan Jones has emailed the Post Over several times over the past eight months and both have expressed frustration at the lack of communication.

Islwyn’s Labour Senedd Member, Rhianon Passmore, said: “With the increasing pattern of the withdrawal of banking facilities and the diminishing access of residents to financial services it is extremely disappointing to hear of a further lack of access with the withdrawal of an essential service for the people of Cwmfellinfach and surrounding communities.”

Labour MP Chris Evans, who also represents Islwyn, said he was “extremely disappointed” by the decision and said: “Many people rely on the post office not only for their post but also for key banking services.

“I have written to the Post office to ask what contingencies will be made to ensure residents can access postal services in their area.”