Retailer accused of ‘greed’ over closure

S topar has been accused of putting profit b e f o r e p e o p l e following its decision close Post Office services in Dunfermline.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley said the retailer is driven by greed rather than the needs of communities. He described the move as “very sad”.

S p a r a n n o u n c e d i n December that the Post O f f i c e c o u n t e r a t i t s Pittsburgh Road branch would be closed from January 23.

A spokesperson said the service is no longer viable as it is impacting on overall store operations.

It will mean the loss of banking facilities and the ability to send mail.

Halbeath residents have launched a campaign to save the counter amid fears its loss will be “utterly devastating”.

Mr Rowley said: “It is very sad that this important service is being taken out so the company can use the space to maximise more profits from its store with no regard for the local community.

“I am deeply disappointed and do not believe this bodes well for a company that is clearly driven by greed over the needs of people and communities.

“I will continue to work with the Post Office to see if a n a l t e r n a t i v e c a n b e found.”

The mid Scotland and Fife MSP wrote to Spar warning them of the “very real detrimental impact” of their decision.

“I want them at every level to know just how badly they are letting down the community of Halbeath a n d s u r r o u n d i n g communities,” he said.

“Their value statement says, ‘We are proud to have the communities we reside in at the heart of everything we do’. Clearly that means nothing when it comes to Halbeath.”

Spar chief e xec utive Colin Mclean confirmed the Post Office at the b r a n c h w i l l c l o s e January 23 as planned.

There will be no job losses or redundancies as a result of the move.

“We a r e c o n t i n u a l l y reviewing the ser vices within our stores and the Post Office counter we c u r r e n t l y o p e r a t e i n Halbeath is impacting our overall store operations, meaning it is no longer viable for us to continue to offer the service at this site,” Mr Mclean said.

The company took into account the distance to the nearest Post Office before making the decision.

The nearest Post Office counters are at Abbeyview, Halbeath Road or Townhill. o n