Ardrishaig post office closure saga continues

PENSIONERS have been left high and dry after Ardrishaig’s post office closed again without notice, writes Emily Jamison. Last week the Advertiser reported the post office had been shut for a number of days following staff shortages.

Despite revised opening hours, the post office was shut unexpectedly on Friday October 13 and Monday October 16, leaving many unable to collect their pension.

On Monday October 16 there was a notice on the door that read: ‘We apologise for the continued disruption, but aim to have the Post Office open for business from 9am on Tuesday October 17.

‘Due to public demand, there will also be a review of the opening hours for the post office.

‘Once again we apologise for this disruption and fully accept that the standards have fallen short of what is expected from Ardrishaig Post Office.’

Ardrishaig local, 78-year-old Bobby Henderson, said the closure of the post office was a huge inconvenience to the older generation living in the village.

She said: ‘I have mobility issues and decided to walk to the post office before the bad weather was due to come on Monday.

‘My walker is quite heavy so it is quite an effort to walk the whole way to the post office. The bus no longer stops there.

‘I walked all the way there and for the second time in a week, the post office was closed.

‘There was no explanation, other than that they were sorry for the inconvenience. It’s simply not good enough.’

Last week the Post Office said that as a result of staffing issues the post office had been unable to open.

When questioned as to why it was shut again, they refused to comment, saying it was now a contractual matter.

Councillor for Mid Argyll Dougie Philand said the closure was ‘disappointing’.

He said: ‘I’m really disappointed with the lack of notice of the closure and the inconvenience this has caused the people of Ardrishaig. I’m not sure how sustainable it is for a post office to be opening and closing like this.’