Politicians welcome post office reopening but new owner sought

Local politicians have welcomed the reopening of Scone Post Office following its abrupt closure but urged bosses to find a more permanent solution.

The post office closed suddenly on April 20, following complaints from customers about slow deliveries and service. The branch has not been open since, forcing frustrated local residents to travel to Perth in order to pick up their pension or make a transaction.

It has now emerged that the Perth Road site will reopen with a “temporary agent” from May 15, although a long-term solution has not yet been found.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart revealed he had been in discussions with a potential new owner. He said: “I understand that Scone locals will be looking for reassurance that longer-term solutions can be put in place to ensure that this does not happen again and that the long-term future of the post office is secured.

“I have already spoken to a local business owner who has shown an initial interest in taking on the post office and I will be putting them in touch with Post Office Ltd to progress these discussions.”

MSP Murdo Fraser said it was “good news for Scone residents who will have been without a post office for nearly a month by the time it reopens next week”.

Bosses have said the branch will offer the same range of products and services.

Post Office area network change manager Robert Sharp said: “We understand how important having a post office service is to residents in Scone and we are confident this temporary service will meet their needs while we continue to seek a permanent solution for the area.”