Islay Post Offices Avoid Closure

Post Offices on Islay have been saved from closure under the controversial government restructuring plans for the network. This follows a vociferous campaign against the outlet closure involving MPs, including Argyll’s Alan Reid, and local councillor Robin Currie. Welcoming the reprieve Councillor Currie said, "This is very good news that the post offices have been saved providing as they do, a vital service in fragile communities. If these all had gone ahead as planned, it would have inevitably led to the closure of some village shops in the area. I am extremely happy that common sense has prevailed in this situation." Despite the protests, seven Post Offices in Argyll and Bute are to close. Faring much worse is the Glasgow area where 24 outlets are to be axed. Communities affected by the first raft of closures have six weeks to raise objections, while Post Offices Ltd carry out a consultation process. Announcements on further closures in other parts of Scotland are expected between January and April of next year.

This story was published with kind permission from the Ileach