South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth and Annandale North Councillor Adam Wilson have welcomed confirmation that Lochmaben Post Office is set to remain in Costcutter on the High Street.
However, they have expressed concerns about the reduced opening hours compared to the previous Post Office.
New opening hours are Monday from 14:00 to 16:00, and Wednesday and Friday between 10:00 and 16:00.
Colin Smyth said: “I am pleased to hear that a Post Office is being retained in Lochmaben, given that many communities have lost theirs, but I would have preferred the opening hours to be longer.
“The cut in hours compared to the previous Post Office will be inconvenient for many people.
“I know some residents have also raised concerns over the available space in Costcutters so hopefully the Post Office and shop will make the necessary changes to the layout to minimise the impact of this.
“I’ve also asked the Post Office to make clear exactly what services will be available at the new Post Office as we don’t want to see them reduced, although overall clearly retaining a Post Office service has been the main priority and that has been secured.
“Sadly, right across Dumfries and Galloway we have seen closure after closure of Post Offices and complete inaction by the Scottish and UK Government to protect these vital local services.
“The pandemic has had a massive impact on the retail sector and our Post Offices are no exception. It highlights the need to look again at what help is being provided to businesses to get through this pandemic and how we put in place proper support to maintain a Post Office network in the long term before we have further closures.
“Having a Post Office in the community is vital for so many of my constituents, particularly those who are older or people who can’t travel easily.”
Councillor Adam Wilson said: ” I am pleased post office services will continue to be offered in Lochmaben.
“A number of residents have raised some issues with me on accessing the services. The Post Office confirmed some work was required to improve the internet connection to support cashless payments and that this work is now complete.”
