Fury over shut P.O.
Sudden closure riles town
The future of Strathaven Post Office has been plunged into doubt after it suddenly closed its doors.
The facility in the DayToday store on Green Street was shut last week with no notice given – leaving the town without a service.
This comes on the back of Strathaven Community Council raising issues at their last meeting regarding “erratic opening hours” – which has led to discussions with politicians and post office representatives.
The closure follows the announcement that RBS in the town faces the axe.
Les Hoggan of the community council raised concerns about the potential loss of a “lifeline” service. He told the News: “For a few weeks, maybe months, now we have been unaware of how often the post office would be opening and closing.
“Then there was a sign left in the door saying it has closed.
“It’s a shame for the town. We are losing the RBS and now another lifeline service has gone. It’s a significant and substantial loss for the office to close down with no notice.”
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP Dr Lisa Cameron says she had received assurances it was only a temporary closure but described it as “unacceptable.”
“I have previously raised concerns with post office counters regarding the closure of Strathaven Post Office and did so again,” she said. “I have been reassured this is a temporary measure although post office counters are limited on what they can say publicly regarding the reasons for closure. The disruption to constituents is unacceptable and has been happening with no notice period on numerous occasions.
“Closure of our RBS branch would place increased pressure on Strathaven Post Office which is not functioning adequately. I will meet with post office counters as soon as possible.
“Strathaven requires accessible banking alongside a functioning post office”.
Avondale Tory councillor Graeme Campbell added: “The service this community has received from the Strathaven Post Office for some time now has been very poor.
“The constant closures and inconsistent opening times have been frustrating and, quite frankly, unacceptable.
“This has also been a key topic for Strathaven Community Council for several months and I know they’ve been in contact with the post office nationally.
“The current plan is to get Strathaven Post Office back up and running with new management as soon as possible, delivering a reliable service to everyone in this community.”
A Post Office spokesperson commented: “Strathaven Post Office has temporarily closed due circumstances beyond post office control. We are sorry for the inconvenience and would reassure customers we’re working hard to restore the service.”