Talks to open PO in Whitletts

Post Office bosses say they are in discussions with a retailer to finally replace its Whitletts service more than half a year since it closed.

The office fell victim to Spar’s decision to axe more than 30 Post Office counters, which it said were not financially viable. Forehill Post Office also closed as part of these cuts. However, Spar did retain Post Office counters in Maybole and Dalrymple.

The closest service is now at Hawkhill in Lawson Street.

A Post Office spokesperson, said:“We know how important a Post Office is to a community. We are working hard to restore service as soon as possible. We have an interested retailer that we are in discussion with. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Whitletts Post Office due to the resignation of the operator.

“Alternative branches in the area include Hawkhill, Tam’s Brig, New Prestwick, Ayr and Burns Statue Ayr.”

Ayr North Labour councillor, Ian Cavana, was one of those campaigning to save the post office.

He said:“I was heavily involved with trying to stop this closure, but they were adamant this branch would close as well as another 30 branches in Scotland.

“I attended the Post Office personally with MSP Colin Smyth, but to no avail.

“Not only was this detrimental to the community of the Whitletts area but also a young lady with 15 years’service was made redundant.”