Weir Submits Objections to Forfar, Glamis and Kirriemuir Post Office Proposals 

Angus Plan “already starting to unravel”

 

 

Angus MP Mike Weir has submitted his objections to the Post Office proposals for closures and changes to Post Office services in the Forfar, Glamis and Kirriemuir areas.

 

Commenting on the objections Mr Weir said there remains serious concerns about the whole plan for Angus.

 

“The Post Office’s overall plan for Angus is already starting to unravel. Only this week we have seen the temporary closure of Tannadice Post Office, which did not form part of the plan, we have seen the problems with the main Post Office in Arbroath. It became clear during the consultation process that the Post Office had managed to mix up the main Forfar Post Office with Kirriemuir. None of that inspires any confidence.”

 

Mr Weir added that the public meetings held in Forfar, Glamis and Kirriemuir had brought out many important points both for Post Office Limited and Postwatch.

 

“Amongst many other issues, real concerns have been raised about access to alternative post offices, the ability of offices to cope with increased business, the inadequate bus service that will make it almost impossible for those without cars to get to the Post Office, the impact on rural businesses and communities and  the increased use of cars.”

 

“It seems to me, however, that in the case of both Forfar and Kirriemuir the proposal that one post office can serve the community is absolutely ludicrous and would lead to increasing problems for everyone who chooses to use the Post Office.”

 

Mr Weir was also highly critical of continuing policy changes by the UK government  which would push customers away from the Post Office.

 

“Even as we go through this painful process the Department of Work and Pensions have written to pensioners who currently receive pension payments by cheque and encash them at the Post Office saying that they intend to end this service. Many of those who receive their pension in this way chose to do so deliberately to continue to support their local Post Office “

 

“This is yet another example of the London government looking both ways, one department saying they are putting money in to help the Post Office yet at the same time another is pursuing policies that will undermine it.”

 

The public consultation process ends on 8^th July with the Post Office making announcements of the outcome at the end of the month.