AN October closure date has been set for the Whitesands Post Office – and a plea has been made to businesses in the town to consider hosting the service.
The Post Office within the Spar shop on the Whitesands is set to close on October 15 due to the resignation of the current operator, and an alternative is yet to be found.
This news was first announced in March this year and comes on the back of several closures across the region. This latest closure will leave the town centre without a Post Office.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has been campaigning to keep the branch open, he said: “The future of this branch has been under question for some time but, along with many local residents and businesses, I am still very disappointed to hear that an alternative operator for the Post Office on the Whitesands hasn’t been found.
“Despite there now being a closure date, I will continue to ask Post Office to find a new operator as a matter of priority. I have been in discussion with town centre businesses about finding a new home for the branch but I would appeal to any others to come forward and help in the search.
“This branch closing is the latest blow for businesses and residents who rely on their local Post Office service but I fear it won’t be the last.”
Post Office services across the region have been subject to closure and reduced hours.
The sorting office on Great King Street is now only open for two hours on Mondays, and its total opening hours adding up to less than 30 hours a week.
Mr Smyth added: “People need Post Offices in their local communities but more and more we’re seeing them disappearing.
“For the largest town in our region not to have a Post Office in the town centre would be the ultimate failure by Post Office Ltd and we need to do all we can to avoid another blow to our town centre.”
