Post office van visits to Melrose set to be cut by quarter

Post Office bosses want to end the van’s Tuesday visits to make time for the service, run by Denholm postmistress Lynn Ferguson, to visit Jedburgh following the closure of the service within the Spar there in Lothian Road earlier this year.

Melrose has been reliant on the van service since the closure of the Mason’s of Melrose bookshop, home to the High Street branch, in November.

Borders MSP Christine Grahame believes talks with a potential full-time operator are under way, though.

“I understand this is still at very early stages however, so it’s important services in the meantime are up to scratch,” she said.

“The current mobile service in the centre of Melrose is well used and valued by the community.

“I have concerns about the effect a cut to this would have, particularly on elderly customers and small businesses who rely on being able to send packages through the post office.

“I’d therefore encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation to ensure the community’s views are taken into account in any decision on this.”

The proposals are currently open for public consultation and comments can be made by emailing comments@postoffice.co.uk with the full proposals available at www.postofficeviews.co.uk