FUW CONCERNS OVER WAG OFFICE FUTURE

The Farmers' Union of Wales today expressed concerns over the future of the Welsh Assembly Government offices at Dolgellau.

The union's Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones has written to the head of WAG's Caernarfon office stating members are "profoundly concerned and disappointed" to hear that questions are being raised about the future of this office.

"This office is of immense importance to farmers in Meirionnydd and any indication that there is a question as to the future presence of WAG in Dolgellau is of tremendous concern and worry," he added.

"The vast majority of farmers in Meirionnydd use this office at some time or other, particularly during submission of Single Application Forms, with the office being open every day in the two weeks leading up to the middle of May each year.

"It is vitally important that farmers are able to present their SAF form at a local office, whereby they will obtain a receipt rather than take the risk of sending the form to the Welsh Assembly Government using the postal system."

Farmers use the office regularly throughout the year as they deal with all farming queries and it is an important focal point to discuss queries, resolve any problems and deliver correspondence.

The Meirionnydd branch has asked the Welsh Assembly Government to consider other options so that farmers in the area may still obtain a local service from WAG.