Thirteen island post offices could be axed
A TOTAL of 13 post office branches are being earmarked for closure in the Western Isles.
The branches at Borve, Bragar, Breasclete, Gress, Grimshader, Shader, Skigersta, Knock, South Dell and Leurbost on Lewis; Northton on Harris; and Sidinish and Tigharry on North Uist.
The Post Office today (Tuesday) opens a six-week public consultation on its area plan for the 113 branches in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
Postwatch Scotland, the independent watchdog for postal services in Scotland, urges customers to engage in the consultation process by finding out more about the proposals and giving feedback to Post Office Ltd.
Commenting, Alan Alexander, Chair of Postwatch Scotland, said: "Although Postwatch Scotland accepts the rationale for the closure programme, we believe this particular plan is flawed. The Western Isles give rise to a unique set of issues and we believe Post Office Ltd has not given sufficient consideration to these when drawing up its proposals.
"Across Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles we are encouraging Post Office Ltd to work with stakeholders and in particular the local authorities to inform their final decisions. It is crucial that households and businesses provide feedback on proposals affecting their area. While petitions are useful in demonstrating strength of feeling, we hope respondents will set out, in detail, the local factors that are relevant to the proposals. Such engagement should help secure a better outcome," he said.
Mr Alexander added: "Customers have six weeks to study Post Office Ltd's proposals, consider what the implications are for them, and give their views to Post Office Ltd. We urge them to do this."
For full story, see this week's Stornoway Gazette which is published on Thursday.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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