Pressure mounts over future of Post Office
Councillor demands action on town centre site
The future of Rutherglen Post Office is still in limbo – and it could remain so for some weeks.
The Reformer understands an ongoing investigation is being held into the post office’s operating procedures – prior to its previous closure last year. This, a spokesman says, means that only temporary postmasters can be appointed until the investigation is complete.
It has now been more than a month since the previous temporary postmaster abruptly resigned, and the Premier convenience store which housed the facility also closed.
The news comes as councillors called for the Post Office to “step up to the mark” and look towards reopening in the area soon.
Councillor Robert Brown said: “The Post Office, despite recent reorganisation, is a public service in a privileged position.
“It has public responsibilities to the local community. Liberal Democrats campaigned against the original closure of the Crown Post Office in the historic building next to the town hall.
“Closing the Crown Post Office has proved to be a big mistake which has left regular uncertainty in its wake.
“Like others I have made representation to the Post Office about the situation but have only had bland replies.
“The Post Office is understandably tight-lipped about its arrangements with the previous postmaster. Whatever the background to that, Rutherglen now lacks a main post office in the town centre which is an unacceptable position.
“It is time for the Post Office to step up to the mark, identify a new location and get the facility up and running again.
“There is no obvious reason why the position cannot be advertised now, or approaches made to some of the other shops on the Main Street or the Arcade to provide the Post Office facility.
“I know anecdotally of older people having to trail up to Burnside or to one of the other offices.
“Rutherglen is the main local centre – most of the buses feed into it and it is the most convenient location for many people from around the area. It is high time local people in the Royal Burgh had a Post Office again.”
This is the third time in the past five years that the post office has been closed, with residents travelling to Burnside or Cambuslang instead.
The Post Office refused to comment on the alleged investigations.
However, a spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Rutherglen Post Office.
“We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services. We would like to reassure customers that the decision to suspend services at any of our branches is never taken lightly.
“We take very seriously any decision to temporarily close a branch, and will only do so when it is warranted.
“We are working hard to restore services for the community as quickly as possible.”