Locals to take over PO

Community effort

A village Post Office has been saved after being taken over by a community group.

The facility in Doune faced the axe, until Kilmadock Community Trust came forward with plans to take over the running of it.

The group this week completed a deal to assume control of the Post Office.

They finalised the contractual agreement following a long application process.

The Post Office would likely have closed without the intervention of the community trust and they now hope to make it self-sustaining with the introduction of a new business model.

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “This is great news for the local community. Post Offices continue to play an important role in our day-today lives and I’m delighted that the community have taken this on in order to maintain these services.

“The new business model will hopefully ensure that the Post Office in Doune is selfsufficient and I commend the efforts from those on the community trust in putting this together and pursuing this application in the way that they have.

“I know that it’s been a lengthy process, but this is a very worthwhile achievement.”

Trossachs and Teith councillor Evelyn Tweed added: “The determination of the local community is what has driven this to be a successful endeavour.

“I understand there is now a lengthy process of training community members up to run and manage the Post Office.”