Temporary closure triggers renewed concerns about PO

The Post Office has moved to reassure concerned Rutherglen residents that its Main Street branch is not in danger of closure.

The office, based at the Premier newsagent, has endured operational difficulties in recent years and was unexpectedly closed last week, prompting fears it could shut permanently.

However, the Post Office’s head office has stated the closure was due to a member of staff being off sick.

The Reformer was alerted to the latest issue by locals who also claim the service has been unsatisfactory because of a lack of staff.

Customer Elizabeth Johnstone said: “I went the other day and the place was in darkness in the middle of the day with nothing up to explain why it wasn’t open.

“Another day I went in, again in the middle of the day, and the queue was right through the shop.

“It looked like there would be at least half an hour before anyone was going to be served.

“It’s beyond a joke. It seems like there has been nothing but problems since a temporary postmaster took over. We still need something permanent there.

“A lot of older people use the post office and it is not as easy as going to the branch in Burnside.

“Even when you do go there, it’s quite small so it gets busy quickly.”

The Post Office has experienced a number of difficulties in recent years.

In 2017 it closed for five weeks for “operational reasons”.

The branch then shut again last June, following the sudden resignation of the temporary postmaster there, and did not re-open until December, following months of protestations from angry locals.

Rutherglen South councillor Robert Brown has frequently called for a long-term solution to the issue.

He said: “A town like Rutherglen badly needs an effective and sustainable Post Office.

“It is really disappointing that it seems to be providing such a poor service after the months of closure and silence last year.

“It is time for bosses to get a grip of the situation and ensure a functioning and permanent Post Office in the burgh.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We understand how important Post Office services are to a community, and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Rutherglen Post Office, this was due to a short-term staffing issue.

“We are pleased to confirm that the branch has now reopened and is operating as normal.”