AN ENTREPRENEURIAL couple,who set up an art and craft shop in Blaenavon just over a year ago, have expanded their business in order to keep a Post Office service in the town.

Nick and Wendy Horler established Artie Craftie in June 2014 and quickly added photography and children’s craft parties to their range of services.

On hearing that the Post Office on Prince Street was to close, the couple successfully bid to take it on, and have since undergone the necessary training and expanded into an adjacent premise on Broad Street.

They opened the doors to customers on Monday July 27, and will hold a formal launch event in the near future.

Mr Horler said: “Many people in Blaenavon depend on the Post Office and it would have been devastating to the town if it had been lost. We are pleased that we have been able to take this service on and look forward to meeting our new customers in the coming weeks.

“We must say a big thank you to Chris Rowles, who ran the Post Office on Prince Street, for keeping it open during challenging times and ensuring that the people of Blaenavon didn’t lose their service while plans were made for us to take it over.”

The couple have also employed the former Post Office assistant from the Prince Street branch, and may look to expand their workforce further in the future.

Local resident Alan Parry said: “It is great that we still have a Post Office in Blaenavon and Nick and Wendy deserve a lot of thanks from local people for keeping this valuable service in the town.”

Councillor Lewis Jones, Torfaen council's executive member for regeneration, said: “Nick and Wendy have become an integral part of the local community since they moved to Blaenavon, getting involved in the town and supporting community events.

"They have shown considerable entrepreneurial spirit in taking on the Post Office and I am sure everyone will join me in wishing them well for the future.”