Electrical fault blamed for closure of Forfar post office.

SERVICES: Electrical fault is blamed as locals say business and OAPS particularly hard hit

An electrical fault has been blamed for the sudden closure of the post office in Forfar, which left customers facing a round trip of more than 30 miles to access certain services.

A sign on the door of the East High Street branch on Friday afternoon said it was closed “until further notice”.

Customers were advised loose mail could be taken to the Royal Mail sorting office on West High Street, while green and red sealed bags used by businesses could be posted in the nearest post box.

It added: “Sorry for any inconvenience. Nearest Post Office Letham, Glamis, Kirriemuir, Brechin, Montrose.”

Businesses rounded on the decision to close the doors without warning as they struggled to carry out bank transactions.

There were reports of pensioners unable to access cash.

Andrew Collins, post master at Letham, reported being “significantly busier”, with customers driving the five miles from Forfar to post their mail.

He said those wishing to carry out certain DVLA transactions faced a trip to the Montrose branch.

Pam Robertson of Angus Optix said: “I met three pensioners unable to collect their pension or pay bills. None of them had transport to go to any of the other post offices listed on the door...

“As a business it is devastating. We use franked mail which must be delivered to a named post office. Most of the mail we deal with involves proof of postage, recorded delivery and next-day signed-for post. None of these services are available without a post office.”

Forfar Action Network chairman Stuart Pirie, whose business looks on to the post office, said he had seen a steady stream of customers arriving at the door with parcels only to be met with the “shop closed sign”.

The closure hit his business transactions as he used the Post Office banking services following closure of the Clydesdale Bank in the town. “I now can’t pay in cheques or get change for the shop. I can’t get any cash,” he said.

Angus councillor Lynne Devine, SNP member for Forfar and District, contacted the Post Office head office for information.

Yesterday afternoon a Post Office spokesman said it appeared there was a problem with the mains electrical distribution board, resulting in a power shutdown on Friday. Repairs were undertaken by contractors over the weekend. The agent was awaiting reconnection of the power supply, which can take up to 48 hours.

He said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Forfar post office. We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services.

“We are working hard to restore services as quickly as possible.”

I met three pensioners unable to collect their pension or pay bills. PAM ROBERTSON

Dismay was voiced at the sudden closure of the post office in Forfar, with an electrical fault blamed.