Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
New Post Office gets set to open
DUNDEE’S controversial new Post Office will officially open its doors this week.
The new branch, operated by Cuparbased QDSA Ltd, will open its doors on Thursday alongside a franchised newsagents.
It comes more than a year after contentious plans were announced to close the main Post Office in Meadowside and relocate it to a new franchise in Whitehall Street.
Consultations were carried out on the move, with some locals objecting due to concerns over jobs and the services the new premises would offer.
According to the Post Office, the new city branch offers most of the same services currently on offer except the biometric enrolment service for the Home Office, which people can use to apply for a permit if they are a foreign national from outside the European Economic Area.
A spokeswoman for the Post Office said: “The branch is moving from Meadowside to 30 Whitehall Street.
“The new premises are being completely refurbished and there will be a newsagents, range of stationery and greetings cards alongside.
“The branch will be operated on a franchise basis by QDSA Ltd, and the same Post Office services will be available, with the exception of the biometric enrolment service for the Home Office.
“The new branch will have six serving positions and opening hours will be 8.30am-6pm Monday-Friday and 9am5.30pm on Saturdays.”
She added: “The reason for the move is that we need to ensure the future sustainability of the branch.
“The vast majority of Post Office branches are run on a franchise or agency basis, alongside retail businesses, and it’s a model that works, helping to ensure that Post Office branches remain convenient and accessible.”
Signs outside the new outlet suggested it may be run as a WH Smith, but the Post Office insists this is not the case — though it may sell some WH Smithbranded products.
City councillor Richard McCready has been a vocal opponent of the move.
The Labour politician said: “I’m still disappointed they decided to close the last Crown Post Office. I think it was a mistake but we are where we are and I hope the new Post Office is a success.
“My main reason for campaigning against this was so we could retain a city centre Post Office. As I understand, people from Meadowside were offered jobs and anyone who wanted one has taken that up.”
Mr McCready added: “I think there’s still an issue long-term about jobs and whether they will be paid the same rate as before.
“I think it was the wrong decision but this is the situation that we are in.”