MP blasts Post Office closures
SHOCKED Galloway MP Russell Brown has claimed the proposed change to an 'outreach service' for some Post Offices is not about bosses getting the same service cheaper - but about "getting it for nothing".
Kirkcowan's present sub-postmistress, Shalla Gray, was given an ultimatum - keep the Post Office and get a quarter of her previous salary or lose it all together, even though transactions are on the increase.
Residents packed the village hall on Wednesday night to express deep reservations about this situation.
Under the cost-cutting measures, Post Office Ltd plan to close the Post Office and replace it with an 'outreach service' in the village shop, Kirkcowan Stores.
The Gazette understands Post Office bosses approached the owner of Kirkcowan Stores out of the blue and he only agreed to their proposal in an effort to keep a Post Office in the village.
But, as that shop is currently up for sale, villagers fear they could be left with no postal services at all.
The 'outreach service' would be managed by a branch in Gatehouse - 25 miles away. Creetown Post Office could also change to the same system. The Post Office are asking for the views of the communities affected and this consultation process will continue until September 29th.
Community councillor John Paterson said people were dismayed to hear their postmistress had been told by bosses she could remain as the location for the new 'outreach service', but would have to take a substantial cut in pay. Mr Paterson continued: "After thinking about it she understandably said no. The Post Office then said 'Okay, we'll take it somewhere else'."
He also said that the villagers, many of whom are elderly, were angry that the Post Office had suggested residents travelled to alternative branches at Newton Stewart, Wigtown Glenluce and Whauphill.
Russell Brown said it was no secret that this was about saving money.
He admitted that bad decisions taken at the highest level had cost the Post Office "million of pounds." The Post Office were also being squeezed by competition from other mail services and have been forced to tender for business at rock-bottom prices.
Anne Robertson asked if the Post Office could be breaking their own rules by putting facilities into premises that were already up for sale?
She said: "The Post Office are not supposed to give one business an advantage over the other. Is Kirkcowan Stores not more saleable if it has the Post Office in it?"
Mr Brown admitted she had a valid point and he would point this out to PO chiefs.
She continued: "What if the shop owner, or whoever buys the business, decides they don't want the Post Office any more. What happens then?"
The MP replied that the Post Office must provide alternative facilities within three months.
Mr Brown also warned that if the quality of the service was not maintained then either of the members of the 'partnership' could withdraw. "Then it becomes closure by stealth", he said.
Russell Brown said he hoped that all business done in Kirkcowan in the future would be conducted in a "competent and efficient manner."
One man said that is seemed unfair the Government could bale out banks in trouble but could not do the same for Post Offices.
The MP said that the nature of business was changing with more people doing transactions online. He pointed out that 1,000,000 was lost each month by people renewing their car tax online instead of at their Post Office.
Another person thought that the Post Office should be seen as an essential service, not just a business. He said: "Their attitude is 'Kirkcowan's just a wee place, let's shut it down'."
Russell Brown admitted that the criteria for deciding what Post Offices should close in Wigtownshire had "punished people".
He said: "There are some Post Offices in Wigtownshire that the Post Office would like to see shut - but they are staying open. The changes that are happening in Kirkcowan are happening because the access criteria has kept these places open."
Post Office officials are due to meet with Kirkcowan residents on September 24th to discuss their concerns.
Last night, a public meeting was taking place over the proposal to close the Sheuchan Street Post Office in Stranraer.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Newton Stewart
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
