Clarity needed for future of world's oldest Post Office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.cumnockchronicle.com/news/2 ... st-office/

CLARITY over the future uses of the world's oldest Post Office in Sanquhar has been sought by a local MP.

During a special debate at Westminster, MP David Mundell pointed out that the privately-owned Sanquhar office has operated in the same building continuously since 1712.

But, like many such businesses, has faced "confusion" surrounding banking hub legislation and the rules and role of Post Offices where transactions take place.

The Scottish Conservative MP raised the issue with a UK Minister during a recent Green Paper debate on the future of the Post Office network.

He said: “For example, in Sanquhar, although the Bank of Scotland has provided a banking adviser to come to the community following the closure of its branch, it will not allow that person to meet people within the post office.”

“Will the Minister increase his efforts to get the banks and post offices together to get a co-ordinated approach?"

Business Minister Blair McDougall MP, who confirmed to Mr Mundell an interest in visiting the historic Sanquhar Post Office, said: “We absolutely understand the centrality of banking services to the sustainability of the Post Office.

“We had that roundtable (meeting), and even though the banking framework has just been renewed, we have already started conversations on this.

“Ultimately, those will be conversations between two commercial entities, but we are facilitating them, because we recognise their importance.”