Businesses urged to plug gap after sudden closure of post office

Postal authority claims it was unaware that shop was closing

Shopkeepers in a Highland Perthshire town are being urged to plug the gap left by the sudden closure of the local post office.

The service at Dunkeld – which has been part of the area since the 19th Century – closed its doors at the end of April, less than 24 hours after official confirmation from Post Office bosses.

The postal authority said it had been unaware that the shop was closing until its press office was contacted by The Courier. However, it is understood the building’s owner, Khalid Khurshid, had placed signs in the window, offering the property “to let” for several weeks.

Now the Post Office has written to businesses around the area, informing them of the closure. The vacant post has also been advertised on the “Run a Post Office” website.

In a letter to local MSP Murdo Fraser, a spokesman stated: “I would like to assure you that we are currently investigating the options available which would enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.

“In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for the Post Office Ltd.”

Mr Fraser said: “It is hugely important that high street services like post offices and banks are kept open, particularly in rural villages, and I hope a replacement postmaster can be found in Dunkeld.

“I would encourage local businesses to get in touch with the Post Office if they are interested in running the service at Dunkeld.”

He added: “Obviously there will be a gap in Post Office provision in Dunkeld and it is important that this is not used as an excuse to remove services permanently.”

Customers have been left with the option of travelling to Birnam or Murthly for their post office needs.

The Post Office company has said it has no intention of reducing the size of the Dunkeld operation, unless no replacement can be found.

It is not clear why bosses were not told of the post office’s closure, but it is understood Mr Khurshid had announced his intention to vacate the premises as far back as December.

It is hugely important that high street services like post offices and banks are kept open. MURDO FRASER

Picture: Kim Cessford. The Post Office, Atholl Street, Dunkeld, which has now closed its doors.