Monday 9th June 2008

Southmuir Post Office – Weir Question Description of Route To Alternative

Angus MP Mike Weir attended the public meeting at Websters High School Kirriemuir to discuss the proposed closure of Southmuir Post Office tonight.

Commenting on the meeting he said

“The large turnout demonstrated the strength of feeling in Southmuir over the proposal to close the local post office, and the fear that it may also affect the future viability of the shop.”

“Tempting as it may be to make political points as to the inadequacy of government policy that got us to this place, the reality is that if we wish to save our Post Offices we must try to make a case during the consultation process which is now underway.”

Mr Weir said that those attending the meeting had raised many valid and important points regarding the difficulties that would be caused by a closure.

“It is vital, however, that individual residents also make their views known directly to the Post Office during the consultation process which runs to 8th July. Petitions show the strength of feeling but, if we are to succeed, we must also show the Post Office the great negative effects the closure will have on the community.”

“In Kirriemuir there are huge potential problems. It is surely not sensible to reduce the community to just one post office. I doubt if it will be able to cope with a huge expansion of business yet the other alternative, Westmuir, is a non starter for anyone who doesn’t have a car.”

“Even with the town it would be very difficult, especially for the elderly and young mums with prams, to walk from Southmuir to Reform Street. The Post Office consultation document laughingly calls the terrain “hilly”. That is rather an understatement , as anyone who has walked up and down either Bellies Brae or Tannage Brae can readily testify. Difficult as such a route is for the able bodied it would almost impossible for those with mobility problems, doubly so given the inadequacy of some of the pavements.”

“Concerns were also raised about the adequacy of the bus service within the town. Several residents pointed out that it took a considerable amount of time to get across town and meant, in effect, some people could spend half a day just getting to and from the post office. Even those who could co by car might find it very difficult to park around the Reform Street Post office.”

“These are huge issues to local people and the Post Office must take them on board in considering the future of Southmuir.”

Ends