SBHA look to open post office

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Scottish Borders Housing Association has applied to open a post office within its Whinfield Road headquarters.

The region’s biggest social landlord hope to open the facility by the end of the year to replace the Station Road post office which shut down last October.

A consultation by SBHA staff with residents and businesses in the Bannerfield area on Wednesday saw the majority back the plans.

Resident Noreen Thomson, who used to run a post office from her house in Sprouston, said: “I think it would be good for the community and it is handy to have it close by.”

“It would be handy for local businesses for handing in parcels,” said Jocky Tennant, adding: “It would be good for the old folks, but they see an outing to the post office as a place to meet people and chat – would it have the same social side?”

The Station Road post office closed after around 100 years in operation when sub-postmaster Derek Wood decided to retire after 19 years in business.

A Post Office spokesman said last October it would look to find an alternative service, but has so far been unsuccessful.

Councillor Gordon Edgar said: “It would be great if this service was provided for the community and I am pleased SBHA are going ahead with this application.”

And Councillor Vicky Davidson added: “The closure of the Station Road post office was a real inconvenience for people at the lower end of the town. I am delighted that the SBHA board have agreed to host the post