Published: Thursday, 22nd February, 2007 16:10
Post offices face axe
By Tracy-Ann Carmichael
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POST offices in Helensburgh and Lomond will face closure under Government plans.
The Advertiser reported in December that branches in the area could be lost as outlying centres suffered from Government cutbacks.
They announced that 2,500 branches will close as part of a major cost-cutting exercise after postal services commission PostComm ruled that a £150 million a year treasury subsidy to rural stores is too high.
Argyll and Bute MP Alan Reid hit out at the plans. He said post offices are the “hub of the community” and that any changes will badly affect vulnerable people including the elderly.
Now bosses at Argyll and Bute have hit out at the move after it emerged that around one quarter of the region’s rural branches are facing closure, despite recent pledges from Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling that almost 100 outlets in Scotland’s most rural locations will be saved.
While a small number of the area’s most rural offices are guaranteed protection, a large number are still under threat.
Council Leader Allan Macaskill was severly critical of the Government’s plans.
He said: “[Mr Darling's] announcement makes no difference to us at all. Post offices outside this exempt area are still under threat.
“The exempt postcode areas will only protect eight offices in Argyll and Bute, out of a total of 99.”
He added: “We are in the process of responding to the consultation to try and get the best outcome for Argyll and Bute and to help protect public access to these vital services.”
Citizen’s Advice Bureau bosses are also urging locals to help shape their response to the government’s consultation.
They can log on to the organisation’s website to give their views at www.adviceguide.org.uk.
The Government’s three-month consultation phase ends on March 8.
Meanwhile, an American tourist has backed a Burgh petition to save threatened post offices.
Kendra Langer was visiting the area from her home in San Francisco, California, when she heard that post offices could close due to Government cutbacks.
While in the West Princes Street branch, Kendra was shocked when she was asked to sign a petition against the closures.
She said: `I can't believe they're trying to get rid of them. They're trying to get rid of the quaintness of these places.
`I just love it here and I love the adorable post offices. I have visited a few times and I always make sure I visit the post office to pick up my postcards and to find out more about the place.
`Tourists can get information from these places. They won't stop in a place if there's no post office.
`If there wasn't a post office in a small village I would just drive on and wait until I got to the next village with a post office.
She added: `I really hope they don't get rid off them, they would be losing so much if they did.`
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