Thursday 19th June 2008

Concern Over  Arbroath Abbeygate Post Office

Closure of Cairnie Street Should be Halted

Angus MP Mike Weir has expressed concern over the news announced today that the Co Op will not be renewing its franchise to run the main post office in Arbroath when it expires in 2009.

Commenting Mr Weir said he had sought  clarification as to the future of the Abbeygate office and, in particular, whether there is certainty that it will remain at the Abbeygate. He had been told that it would have to move.

“This drives a coach and horses through the entire plan for Post Office in the Arbroath area. The closure of the Cairnie Street office and also the closures in Inverkeilor and Carmylie assumed that the main Post Office in Arbroath could take up any additional business.”

“We now learn that there is uncertainly as to the future of the main office itself. Although the Post Office say they wish to retain a central office they, frankly, have no idea where it will be and, crucially, what size it will be.”

“In some other areas the Post Office have entered into an arrangement with WH Smith but I cannot see such a move working in Arbroath given the size of their local store.”

“This undermines the whole rationale of the plan and must mean that they revisit the proposed closures. They should not even be contemplated until such time as there is certainty as to the future of our main office.”   

Mr Weir added that the situation caused him particular concern because of what happened at Montrose where the main post office, also in a Co op store, was severely reduced in size after the store underwent major conversion.

“The current Abbeygate office is often very busy and there are constant complaints about queues. Any reduction in size would make the position untenable especially if customers from Cairnie Street are expected to go there.”