Weir Welcomes Assurance from Post Office on “Outreach “Services
Gives hope for return of some Post Office services to Rural Angus


Angus MP Mike Weir has given a cautious welcome to an assurance given by the Post Office that they are now prepared to look at extending part time “Outreach” services to areas that have previously lost post offices, but still meet the new national criteria. Previously those services were only being concerned in those areas which lost services under the current closure programme or did not meet the national criteria.

The assurance was given to Mr Weir when he raised the point during an evidence session of the Business and Enterprise select committee where Alan Cook, Managing Director, and Paula Vennels, Network Director, of Post Office Limited were giving evidence.

Commenting on the matter Mr Weir said it was vital that local communities consider the future of their existing post offices prior to the publication of the area plan for the North East in May but that they should also be considering how services could be improved in rural areas.

“Outreach services are no substitute for a permanent post office and existing services must be defended wherever possible.

“If Outreach services could be provided in areas which have no post office service, however, it would be an improvement on the present situation .”

“Friockheim, for example, lost its Post Office some time ago and the new national criteria means there is little chance of a new permanent post office. Clearly, however, there is a demand for some Post Office services in the village and even such a restricted service would be a step forward.”

“The Post Office will be obliged to provide some services in those areas which do not meet national criteria, including two in Angus. It makes sense to extend such services to other parts of rural Angus which have previously lost their post office services.”

“I will be pushing this to be part of the consideration of the future of Post Office services in Angus.”