Plans by the Assembly Government to throw a lifeline to some Post Offices have been branded "too little, too late" by Pembrokeshire's Assembly Members.

The news that the Post Office Development Fund is to be re-opened came as residents expressed their dismay at the axing of 57 branches across south west Wales. Thirty eight are to close outright, including Tiers Cross and Penally, and a further 19 - including Tavernspite and Clarbeston Road - will be closed and replaced by a visiting post bus.

"I have heard from a lot of residents who are very upset that we are losing our post office," said Clarbeston Road councillor David Howlett. "We really thought that our campaign was a strong and forceful one but looking at the timetable for the outreach service it looks as though it had already been drawn up and decided upon."

There are now fears that the only shop in the village, which ran alongside the post office, may have to close.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said: "If the Assembly Government thinks that re-opening the Post Office Development Fund will act as a sop after closure of all these branches then it is mistaken."

The Fund was set up to help post offices in deprived areas and isolated communities to stay open and become more accessible. Sub postmasters in eligible areas were invited to apply for grants of up to £50,000 to renovate their post offices and widen the range of services and products offered to their customers, but the fund was closed in July 2004.

"The Conservatives have been calling for the reinstatement of the fund for many years," added Mr Davies. "And in the face of so many local branch closures its reinstatement only throws a few crumbs of comfort."

South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns added: "This is a case of shutting
the stable door after the horse has bolted, the reinstatement of the fund is coming too late for the likes of Templeton and Penally."