Post office services to be restored at Bankfoot

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Post office services are set to be returned to a Perthshire community after a three-year absence.


Consumer Focus Scotland calling for post offices to offer more local government services

The Bankfoot branch was closed in July 2008 following the resignation of the local sub-postmaster and the withdrawal of premises.

Since then Post Office Ltd has been working to find an alternative way of restoring the service to the community.

And it has now announced plans to provide a new "hosted" service from the NISA Local Store in the village's Main Street.

It will be provided from the premises by the sub-postmaster from the Methven Post Office branch, operating for six hours a week, between 9.30 and 11.30am each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Post Office Ltd believes the proposed arrangement presents the best possible long-term solution to allow services to be restored.

Customers will be able to access the same range of products and services as provided in the old Post Office branch and should also benefit from level entry, a new widened door and a purpose built serving counter.

Consultation
The service will be introduced on Monday, September 19, although a period of public consultation on the plan will continue until Thursday, September 22.

Robert Findlay, field change adviser for Post Office Ltd, said, "Post Office Ltd proposes to introduce this service to help safeguard Post Office services in Bankfoot in the long term.

"We are intending to open the new service before the end of the consultation period so that customers can use the service as quickly as possible.

"Full account will, however, be taken of any comments or views made known to us."

Mr Findlay added, "We believe the facilities and service that we provide to our customers is of paramount importance.

"This service will be a vital asset to the local area and we are confident that our customers will benefit, in the longer term, by this change."

The Post Office will be seeking the views of local customers over the next six weeks.

Anyone who would like to express an opinion on the proposals can do so before the closing date of September 22 by writing to Robert Findlay, c/o Post Office Ltd, National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser welcomed the announcement, saying, "Post offices are vital to sustaining our local communities, providing an invaluable service to those living in the village.

"Offering a hosted outreach service three days a week is a start. I would welcome feedback from local residents on the new arrangements."