FEARS have been raised over the future of a post office which has been put up for sale months after a violent armed robbery.

Cefn Mawr sub-postmaster Dave Taylor has put the post office onto the market but insists it is not because of the robbery in July, 2010.

Mr Taylor says he is confident the post office will be able to sell, but others in the community fear the village could be left without a service.

Cefn Mawr councillor Warren Coleman said: “If it were to close there would be an outcry because it’s the only one left.”

Post offices in Rhosymedre and Acrefair have closed in recent months and the nearest post office would be in Ruabon.

Cllr Coleman said: “It would be a serious blow to people who rely entirely on the services.

"A lot of families would be devastated because so many people still use it.

"Dave is a real entrepreneur and has got a business brain. He he will be sadly missed.”

Mr Taylor told the Leader he feels it is time for him and his wife Janine to seek “new business ventures and experiences” and said they are looking to open a trade warehouse in Peterborough.

The couple were subjected to a violent robbery when three armed raiders came into the shop in July last year.

His wife was held at gunpoint and Mr Taylor said she is still traumatised by the incident, which saw all three offenders later jailed for between five and seven years.

Mr Taylor added: “The incident was not a catalyst for the move but what the violent robbery did do was to highlight the importance of living life to the full.

“Cefn Mawr post office has gone from strength to strength making it one of the most successful and busiest post offices in North Wales.”

He added: “With the accounts showing a turnover of more than £100k with a gross profit of more than £60k, coupled with a large refurbished house overlooking the World Heritage Aqueduct, I am 100 per cent confident it will sell.”

The post office is on the market for £399,995 and Mr Taylor added: “We will really miss the community as they have been extremely supportive over the years and we consider them more as an extended family than customers.”

He said the house could sell on its own without the buyers taking on the post office but said it would be more unlikely.

Cllr Howard Moysen said: “There is a real need for a post office –  it’s an essential part of the community.

“Dave has made quite a success of it, not only as a post office but other things as well and he’s been a very active member of the community.”