A PERMANENT location for Lochmaben’s Post Office has been secured.
The counter, which previously operated in Pettigrew’s High Street store until it closed earlier this year, will remain in a central location in the town, Post Office bosses have confirmed.
The Costcutter store recently took-over running the kiosk, which provides mail, banking and insurance services.
And following a successful trial run and community consultation, it’s been announced the High Street newsagents will operate the service on a permanent basis.
The counter will be open on Mondays from 2 pm to 4 pm and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm.
In a letter, Post Office network provision manager Kenny Lamont said: “Following a period of local public consultation and review, we have made the decision to proceed with the move of the Post Office service into Costcutter.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to let us have their comments and provide information.
“All the feedback we received helped us to better understand the views of customers and this was taken into account, along with all other relevant factors, in making our decision.
“After careful consideration of the feedback received, we remain confident that the layout and location of the new branch will continue to meet customer needs and deliver an excellent service, whilst securing the long-term viability of Post Office services in the local community.”
Commenting, Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell said: “After a period of uncertainty following the regrettable but entirely understandable end of the outreach service at its previous home in Pettigrew’s, it’s good news that the new permanent location for Post Office services has been confirmed at Costcutter. It means accessible postal services will still be available on Lochmaben High Street, and that’s the most important thing.”
Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell said the opening times are “not what might have been entirely hoped for”, adding: “This is something I would hope could be reviewed in due course.”
He continued: “In the meantime, a High Street Post Office has been retained in Lochmaben which will ensure that local people who rely on its services will still have ready access to them.”
