The Post Office in Les Praz, Le Solery in Les Houches and unemployment down!

A few interesting snippets of news caught our eye today. First up, is the news that plans are afoot to offer some kind of Post Office service in Les Praz once the main 'La Poste' closes there in the Autumn.

The latest proposal is that there will be a 'relais' communal post office service run out of the Seasonnaires residence 'Les Cimes', which is just next to the current Post Office building. The concierge for the building will work half time on their postal duties and half time looking after the building. The commune is expected to finance the move, to the tune of around 5000 euros per year.

Over in Les Houches, the commune has bought Le Solerey, the wooden alpine chalet building that backs onto the outdoor ski rink. Bought with a much sought after licence 4, which means that alcohol can be sold on the premises, the Mairie is now looking at ideas to exploit their new venue. Rumours that it could be a night club are circulating!

The economic downturn is starting to show in the Arve Valley with unemployment now at 6400, up 3.5% at the end of February. The only exception in the departement is the Mont Blanc which saw a fall of 2.4%, which can be explained by the uptake of seasonnaire workers in the valley, so figures are expected to be reversed in April once the season draws to a close.

Photo credit : La Poste