MILLIONS of pounds will be pumped into saving rural post offices across Wales.
Over the next three years £49m will go towards safeguarding the traders.
The money has come from a £450m government fund, it was announced today.
Don Touhig, Wales Office minister, said it was the largest support package the government had given to Welsh post offices.
He said: "This funding will help Wales' 950 rural post offices to continue to provide access to services in these areas.
"Post offices are at the heart of many Welsh rural communities.
Mr Touhig said: "They are much more than simply providers of mail services.
"In many places the post office is also the village shop, the local community centre, the business exchange and the bank."
Brian Hancock, Plaid Cymru AM for Islwyn, said: "This is great news for post offices across Wales and Gwent.
"Of the 31 post offices in my own constituency, 15 have been under threat of closure."
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