RURAL Post Office services could return to Arrochar and Tarbet if plans for an enhanced village shop are approved.
Jane Ireland, who runs the Slanj bar and restaurant in Station Road, has applied for planning permission to site an additional container unit on ground next to the category C listed building, formerly known as the Ben Lomond.
The converted church premises already has one container used as a grocery and hot roll shop, however the proposals, if given the go-ahead, would see that unit retained for use as a storage and staff area and a separate container added for use as a convenience store.
Supporting documents for the application, submitted to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, state: “The new container will be approximately 30ft x 16ft.
“This will double the shop size and allow us to offer a better selection of fresh goods in particular. We can also offer a greater selection of takeaways, with part of the shop able to offer gifts from the immediate area and wider from across Argyll.
“This is a vital part of the regeneration of the Arrochar and Tarbet area. It also provides an enhanced service for the local community giving them a wider selection and prices.
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“It is hoped that we can apply to have a village Post Office reinstated, also offering a Paypoint facility and lottery.
“At present there is a mobile Post Office visiting once per week. People are having to travel to Helensburgh or further afield to access key cards for electricity or heating.”
Post Office services in the area were cut back late last year after long-serving postmistress Melanie Tonks moved on from her role at the Pit Stop community café, which ceased trading in November.
The application for upgrades at the Slanj site also includes plans for a partial change of use of the car park for the siting of five motorhomes.
Asked why containers are needed in the car park, and why the village shop cannot be located inside the main building, Ms Ireland said: “We previously and prior to Covid restrictions had the shop in a small area of the restaurant.
“Once the initial lockdown was announced we were unable to open the shop as it was within the restaurant and the restaurant was closed.
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“We looked for a temporary solution and a container seemed an excellent solution. This proved very popular as we could provide the only public toilets between Campbeltown and Glasgow.
“We continue to offer this facility from 7am until 10pm seven days per week; a vital link for the area that we provide free of charge.
“Having the shop within the restaurant was not ideal for several reasons; we had applied for Post Office status however to provide a ramp or lift, as they required, was going to cost in excess of £20,000. No access for people with impaired mobility meant we would not even be considered.
“Within two years Arrochar and Tarbet have seen their Post Offices close – a vital link for a rural community.
“The provision inside the property at Slanj impacted on the restaurant with people walking through the restaurant with shopping whilst people were enjoying their meal or entertainment.
“Containers are the quickest and most cost effective way to offer a solution to a larger shop.”
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