Garelochhead’s post office has been given a three-month stay of execution, it was confirmed today.
Last month it was announced that the village’s post office would close on March 28, with managers being accused of forcing the branch out of business.
But last Friday a meeting was held with owners Anne and Stuart McQueen, community councillors, MSP Jackie Baillie and post office officials.
And today a Post Office spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that Garelochhead Post Office is staying open for a further three months at its present location.
“We know how valued our products and services are and we will work with the local community and elected representatives to ensure the branch stays open beyond the next three months.”
Community council convenor Watson Robinson said it was hoped that a financial solution could be found to ensure the long term future of the business.
He added: “Various ideas were proposed at the meeting to find the financial shortfall required to make it viable and these will now be explored over the next three months with the hope these can be found and we can retain our local Post Office in the village.
“Could we therefore ask that all current customers old and new continue to use the Post Office as normal while these avenues are explored, this will give us a better opportunity of retaining this vital part of the community.”
Post Office changes the company would cut £4,000 from the local operators’ £9,000 annual salary – plus a fee for transactions, currently around £14,000 per year.
The branch opens from 5.30am until 6pm on weekdays and from 5.30am until 1pm on weekends – offering Post Office services 77.5 hours per week.
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