Newcastleton gets temporary PO
Newcastleton is to be given temporary post office services after its closure last month.
The closure caused considerable stress for local residents who could not access post office services, and faced a long drive to the nearest facility.
A sub-postmaster will operate every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, from yesterday.
Newcastleton post office was previously run for 58 years, at a different location, by Jim Rowan, who retired last August.
Michael Moore, the village’s MP, said: “I know that there has been much frustration in the village, particularly among older residents, at the sudden closure of the post office a few weeks ago.
“I am glad to hear that post office officials have put a temporary arrangement in place to enable the post office to re-open. Although this isn’t a perfect solution, it means that residents can now access post office services, which is certainly an improvement on the current situation.
“I am urging post office officials to ensure that the service at Newcastleton is fully and permanently restored as soon as possible to end the confusion and reduced service residents are currently experiencing.”
John Lamont MSP said: “I am delighted that post office services in Newcastleton will be up and running again this week. After its sudden closure a few weeks ago, many residents got in contact with me to discuss their frustration at such a vital service being taken away.
“I know it caused a lot of stress among more elderly residents who were unable to travel the long distances to other villages to get their pensions and send letters and parcels.
“That is why it was so important to get it up and running again straight away, and I was pleased that this temporary arrangement has been agreed.
“Having been in contact with the post office over the last few weeks, I know how hard they were working to find a solution.”
Mr Lamont added: “The long term future of postal services in Newcastleton still remains a concern, and I will be pushing the Post Office to end the uncertainty.
“Residents need and deserve a fully restored and permanent service in Newcastleton, and I hope that this can be arranged in the near future.”
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Weather for Galashiels
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 3 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
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