Perthshire Conservatives have welcomed an announcement that the Post Office will move its facility in Aberfeldy.
Councillor John Duff and Murdo Fraser MSP were reacting to the news which followed a public consultation. The decision will mean the new Post Office will be part of the Premier store in Bank Street in the town.
Both politicians had encouraged local residents to take part in the public consultation after they had said they favoured the proposed move to Bank Street. The shopkeeper who runs the current post office owns both buildings.
The Post Office has said that ‘after careful consideration of the feedback received,’ they remain confident that the layout and location of the new branch will continue to meet customer needs and deliver an excellent service, whilst securing the long-term viability of Post Office services in the local community.
Commenting, Councillor Duff, who represents the Highland Ward, said: “I have been working with the Postmaster, the Post Office and Growbiz to ensure the town continues to have access to Post Office services, including banking facilities. I am grateful to the Postmaster, Sujeevan Seenithamby, for his efforts to get the Post Office counter transferred, given the significant costs to the business involved.
“Hopefully residents and businesses will be patient while everything is transferred and installed. It is important that people plan ahead for this interruption to services. Ultimately, the transfer should resolve the staffing issues which have caused some problems in recent months.”
And Mr Fraser added: “Whilst this is not ideal as there are issues with car parking outside the shop in Bank Street, I still welcome the move as it means local residents will retain access to Post Office services. It would have been a massive blow to the community of Aberfeldy if there were no Post Office services, especially after losing local bank branches.
“It is encouraging to see the Post Office taking this decision to move the facility rather than close it. I’m sure local residents will be delighted with this announcement.”
The current branch closed on Monday, April 8, at 7pm, with the new branch opening at Premier, 2 Bank Street, Aberfeldy, on Thursday, April 25 at 1pm. During transfer of the branch, customers requiring Post Office facilities are advised to use the branch at Strathtay.
