John Swinney MSP and Pete Wishart MP today expressed hope that Blairgowrie will be able to maintain its Post Office.
The current operator, the Co-op’s Wellmeadow branch, is due to close in the next few months.
A local shop, Pricekracker, had been in negotiations to take on the Post Office operations, but recently pulled out due to requirements that would force the proprietor, Mr Sandy Sarwar, to take on five members of the existing Co-op staff.
Describing the issue as having “serious implications”, Mr Swinney outlined the importance of maintaining this service.
Mr Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, commented:
“I was saddened to hear that Pricekracker has been unable to reach a deal to take over the local Post Office. I completely understand that Mr Sarwar would be unable to afford to hire five additional members of staff and I pay tribute to his willingness to explore the possibility of continuing this vital service.
“This is an issue which has serious implications for the local community. It seems absurd that Perth’s largest town will soon be without a Post Office. This will prove a major inconvenience for my constituents in the area, particularly the elderly and those not able to travel.
“I would encourage any local business that feels they could operate the Post Office service to come forward, and I am hopeful that a positive solution can be reached for the people of Blairgowrie.”
Perth and North Perthshire MP, Mr Wishart, added:
“I am disappointed to learn that plans to continue Post Office services in Blairgowrie have fallen through. This is a well-used service and it is vital that a town the size of Blairgowrie has access to a Post Office. It is vital that everything is done to find a suitable site to ensure that Blairgowrie does not lose this service permanently.
“I understand that Post Office Ltd will conduct a further consultation and I will be in regular contact with them during this period. I will also be making representations to Co-Op to see what this means for the 5 staff members employed at the current Post Office site.”
